An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Self-Portraitc. 1740
Artist: Francesco de Mura
Italian (Naples), 1696–1782
Three quarter length self-portrait of Francesco de Mura
51 x 40 in. (129.54 x 101.6 cm) (canvas)
50 x 38 in. (127 x 96.52 cm) (sight)
59 3/4 × 48 7/8 in. (151.77 × 124.14 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
18th century
The John R. Van Derlip Fund
In the heart of a bustling city alive with the sounds of ambition and artistry, Francesco de Mura stands tall, an embodiment of elegance. His attire is a sumptuous tapestry of fine fabrics, woven with threads that shimmer like sunlit waves. The billowing drapery around him dances gently, framing a man who is more than just an artist; he is a symbol of high social standing, a figure wrapped in the warmth of wealth and grandeur.
As he glances around his space, there’s the impressive presence of a monumental column, sturdy and timeless, echoing the strength of the ideas he nurtures. A marble-topped gilt table serves as a centerpiece, its surface reflecting the glimmer of the sunlight, a canvas for his creative thoughts. Instruments of his craft lie within reach—his drawing tools, laid out like the swords of a noble warrior, ready for the battle of imagination.
In one hand, de Mura cradles a red chalk drawing, the rich hue a striking contrast to the luxurious surroundings. The image begins to take form: the mighty Roman goddess Minerva, a figure woven into the very fabric of art and knowledge. She stands, poised and resolute, the protector of creativity, a guardian watching over those who dare to dream.
This drawing speaks volumes not only about de Mura's technical prowess but about his profound understanding of the classical world—a world that shapes his identity as an educated gentleman. Each stroke of his chalk is a whisper of inspiration, echoing the scholarly pursuits of the ancients. As he diligently works, the essence of his creativity comes alive, revealing a story not merely about an artist, but about a man who sees the universe through the lens of history, beauty, and enlightenment.
About the artist
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