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1 of 253523 objects
Benedetto Gennari (Cento 1633-Bologna 1715)
The Genius of Poetry c.1680-85
Oil on canvas | 211.0 x 146.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 406791
Benedetto Gennari (Cento 1633-Bologna 1715)
The Genius of Poetry c.1680-85
Benedetto Gennari (Cento 1633-Bologna 1715)
The Genius of Poetry c.1680-85
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The Bolognese artist Benedetto Gennari trained in the studio of his uncle, Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, known as Guercino. In 1672 Gennari travelled to Paris to seek the patronage of Louis XIV. He was favourably received and during his 16 months there is recorded as having painted 15 pictures. One of these, Diana and Endymion, was intended for the Duc de Richelieu, but was never delivered, and Gennari subsequently presented it to Charles II as an introductory gift, after arriving at court in September 1674.
During his 16 years in England, Gennari worked for both Charles II and James II, receiving a yearly stipend of £500. He kept a chronological list of his prodigious output, including 102 paintings during the reign of Charles II, 35 during the reign of James II. He painted a further 30 works for James II following the Glorious Revolution, having joined the court in exile at Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1689.
Poetry, a female figure seated at full-length, right, wearing classical robes of yellow and blue, her right breast exposed; holding a pen in her right hand, an inscribed scroll in her left; books on the table, right; a bass viol on the floor.Provenance
Acquired by James II when Duke of York; recorded in 1688 amongst those of his paintings which had not belonged to Charles II in the Princesses Presence Chamber at Windsor Castle (no 1100)
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Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
211.0 x 146.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
180.0 x 120.0 cm (support (etc), excluding additions)
262.9 x 186.0 x 19.0 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)
