Who painted Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828)?

Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828) was painted by Angelica Kauffmann in 1798-01-01.

Where can I see Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828)?

Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828)?

Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828) is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828)

Angelica Kauffmann , 1800

Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828) is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Angelica Kauffmann. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work is a formal oil portrait depicting Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828), a high-ranking clergyman of the Catholic Church.

The work is a formal oil portrait depicting Monsignor Giuseppe Spina (1756–1828), a high-ranking clergyman of the Catholic Church. Created in 1800 by Angelica Kauffmann, the painting presents Spina as the sole main subject, capturing his likeness as a man of significant ecclesiastical standing. As a portrait, the image serves primarily to document the individual's physical appearance and status during the period.

The composition focuses entirely on the sitter, identifying him explicitly by name and title, thereby functioning as a historical record of his identity within the religious hierarchy.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Monsignor Giuseppe Spina by Angelica Kauffmann is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Created in 1800, the oil-on-canvas work is cataloged within the museum's holdings as a portrait depicting the subject Giuseppe Spina. While the provided sources confirm the institution and the artwork's presence within its collection, they do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for the piece.

Furthermore, the available documentation offers no details regarding a history of exhibitions for this specific painting at the museum or elsewhere.

Overview

Angelica Kauffmann completed this oil portrait of Monsignor Giuseppe Spina in 1800. The painting captures the likeness of its subject, a prominent figure, and is rendered in oil paint. It is currently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it offers insight into portraiture of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Technique & Style

Kauffmann's approach to this portrait emphasizes meticulous detail and a refined finish. The artist employs soft, diffused lighting that illuminates Spina's face, drawing the viewer's attention to his features against a darker, less defined background. This technique highlights the subject's presence and contributes to the painting's overall sense of calm dignity and careful observation.

Portrait of Joseph Marie Terray, Alexander Roslin

Artist & collection

Artist

Angelica Kauffmann

Maria Anna Angelika Kauffmann, usually known in English as Angelica Kauffman, was a Swiss painter who had a successful career in London and Rome.

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art

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