Portrait of Ambrogio Raffele (Primary Title)
John Singer Sargent, American (born Italy), 1856 - 1925 (Artist)
This portrait of the Italian landscape painter Ambrogio Raffele reveals Sargent’s delight in preparing candid portraits of friends. Raffele’s concealed smile and direct gaze suggest a warmth and familiarity reinforced by the casual presentation of the sitter’s wrinkled attire. The two became acquainted in the summer of 1904, probably in one of the northern Italian towns that both artists frequented. Though Raffele spoke no English, the cosmopolitan Sargent conversed in Italian, befriending the older artist and painting him several times during sojourns to the Val Veny. This portrait stands apart as the only version titled after his friend. Indeed, Sargent inscribed this picture with a personal message: “all’ amico A. Raffele / John S. Sargent.”
Signed at lower right: "John S. Sargent"
Inscribed at lower right: "all' amico A. Raffel"
Donated by James W. McGlothlin as part of the James W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Collection of American Art
"American Art from the McGlothlin Collection" Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (1 May - 18 July 2010).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
"Capturing Beauty: American Impressionist & Realist Paintings from the McGlothlin Collection," Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (19 May-18 September, 2005).
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