Artwork

Lodovico Widmann

Lodovico Widmann, by Tiberio Tinelli, oil, 1637
Lodovico Widmann, by Tiberio Tinelli, oil, 1637

Lodovico Widmann is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Tiberio Tinelli. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:center left at top of bas relief: .TINELLI.

About this work

History & Provenance

The work’s early provenance traces to Widmann himself, who died in Venice in 1674.

The portrait of Lodovico Widmann was painted by Tiberio Tinelli, likely in 1637. The work’s early provenance traces to Widmann himself, who died in Venice in 1674. By the early 20th century the painting was held in a private collection, probably in Germany, and was attributed to Bartolomé Esteban Murillo before being reidentified.

In February 1922 August L. Mayer authenticated the canvas in Munich and sold it that year to Samuel L. Fuller in New York. Fuller gifted the painting to the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., in 1946, where it remains, inventoried as accession number 1946.1.1.

Overview

Tiberio Tinelli's Lodovico Widmann, an oil on canvas created around 1637, captures a distinguished male figure in 17th-century attire. As a leading early-Baroque portraitist in Venice, Tinelli was known for his precise individual likenesses. This painting exemplifies the refined style of Venetian portraiture, presenting its subject with an air of elegance and composure against a serene landscape background.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Lodovico Widmann standing confidently in a natural setting. He is dressed in fashionable 17th-century clothing, including a dark vest, a white shirt with lace cuffs, dark trousers, and white stockings. A red flower adorns his vest, and he holds a feathered hat. His pose, with a hand resting on a stone ledge, suggests a sense of self-assurance and refinement.

Technique & Style

Tinelli's approach to portraiture is evident in the painting's sophisticated execution. The artist utilizes chiaroscuro, a technique involving strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and dimension. This dramatic lighting emphasizes the figure and contributes to the overall atmosphere of elegance. The precise rendering of details also reflects the artist's specialization in capturing individual likenesses.

Context

Tiberio Tinelli was a significant figure in early-Baroque Venetian art, celebrated for his extensive body of work and critical acclaim during the early 17th century. His specialization in accurate individual portraits made him a sought-after artist. Lodovico Widmann showcases the characteristics of the Venetian school's refined portraiture, aligning with the artistic trends of its period.

Portrait of Philip IV
Portrait of Philip IV

Artist & collection

Artist

Tiberio Tinelli

Tiberio Tinelli (1587 – 22 May 1639) was an Italian painter of the early-Baroque period, active mainly in his native city of Venice.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Lodovico Widmann?

Lodovico Widmann was painted by Tiberio Tinelli in probably 1637.

Where can I see Lodovico Widmann?

Lodovico Widmann is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Lodovico Widmann?

Lodovico Widmann is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Lodovico Widmann?

Museum-quality prints of Lodovico Widmann are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.