This classical portrait of a beauty with pigeon as symbol of innocence, was executed around 1780s and although unsigned, is typical work of the famous Viennese portraitist and allegorical painter Johann Baptist Lampi the Elder (1751 Romeno, South Tyrol - 1830 Vienna). For comparison see additional photo of very close work by the same artist, sold by auction of Kaupp/Germany on 4.06.201.

The attribution of our painting to the hand of the glorious Austrian portraitist was confirmed by the recognized Italian expert and author of several monographs about artist Lampi senior Mr. Roberto Pancheri. The buyer of the painting will receive his written expertise in the case of the purchase of the painting.

Lampi received his first studies in Salzburg. After a short period in South Tirol, he settled in Italy, where he worked with the Lorenzi Brothers in Verona, joining the Veronese Academy in 1773. He travelled throughout Italy painting commissioned religious works and portraits for the members of the high aristocracy. Back in Austria in the early 1780´s-1790s he found access to the higher circles of society through noble protecteurs. He painted several portraits of austrian emperor Josef II, having joined the Academy of Arts in 1785, where he became professor for historical painting. In 1788 Lampi came to Warsaw where he portrayed the Polish King and various high aristocrats. In 1790-1791 he was back in Vienna. On October 21st 1791, Lampi arrived to Potyomkin´s Headquarter in Jassy , in this time Russian Bessarabia, now- Romania) but soon went to St. Petersburg. In St. Petersburg Lampi the Elder immediately became a court artist. He stayed in the Russian capital six-years-long (in 1795 he was joined there by his eldest son Johann Baptist Lampi the Younger; 1775-1837). In 1798, after his return to Vienna (1797), he was ennobled by Emperor Franz I to Baron. In 1799 Lampi received the title of an Honorary Citizen of Vienna..

Literature: R.Pancheri " Giovanni Battista Lampi alla corte di Caterina II di Russia", Società Studi Trentini, 2011; Prof.H.Fuchs “Lexicon of Austrian artists”, Vienna, 1975. Thieme/Becker "Lexicon of artists from antique to contemporary", Leipzig, 1999

Inscription: unsigned, on the reverse of stretcher - old inscription with the name of the artist and inventory (?) number.

Technique: oil on canvas. Original period gold-plated frame

Measurements: unframed h 17 1/2 " x w 22 3/4" (44,5 x 58 cm), framed h 22 3/4" x w 27 1/2" (58 x 70 cm)

Condition: in very good condition