Glass Plate Portraits: A Glimpse into the Past
Uncover the hidden connections within Federico Morassutti's portraits through psychological realism.
Passion in Portraiture
Federico Morassutti, an entrepreneur with a profound passion for photography, embarked on a journey to capture raw human emotion.
A series of old photos (1926) by Federico MorassuttiArt Aia - Creatives / In / Residence
Capturing Faces with Glass Plates (1850s–1930s)
Morassutti's portraits used old glass plate photos to capture unique and intimate faces.
Photographing his wife and family
In 1905, Federico Morassutti married Gianna Lucchetti. In the following photos, she appears to be in a state of serene introspection and quiet contentment. Her focused gaze and relaxed posture suggest a deep sense of inner peace, whether she is absorbed in her reading or gently engaging with the natural world. Overall, her expression conveys a graceful, tranquil harmony between her private thoughts and her surroundings.
Discover about Federico Morassutti's Marriage and Family here
Morassutti's intimate portrait of his wife, Gianna Lucchetti, is an invitation for the viewer to contemplate her inner thoughts.
Gianna Lucchetti photo by Federico Morassutti (1926) by Federico Morassutti; Giovanni Enrico MorassuttiArt Aia - Creatives / In / Residence
Gianna Lucchetti's Portrait
Morassutti captures Gianna Lucchetti in a moment of introspection. The portrait invites viewers to delve into the complexities of her character and contemplate her inner thoughts, vividly expressed through her features.
Sitting for a portrait on a glass plate was a physically demanding process that required subjects to remain perfectly still for extended periods. This method was the standard from the 1850s through the 1920s.
Reading a Portrait
In this portrait, the woman exudes composed confidence and serene poise. Her direct gaze suggests a calm, firm presence. A subtle smile conveys quiet contentment. Her formal posture reinforces an impression of strength and stability.
Emotional Expression
Morassutti's portraits go beyond mere likenesses, capturing the subjects' inner emotional states, as seen in the previous portrait of the introspective Gianna Lucchetti.
The Enigmatic Morassutti Portrait
This portrait within the Morassutti collection depicts an unknown family member. The lack of identification sparks intrigue, prompting viewers to consider the hidden histories and unacknowledged connections that exist within every family. Their story remains to be discovered.
A Silent Inner World
The portrait reveals deep introspection and a dreamy detachment, hinting at subtle melancholy. The tension in her hands suggests contained vulnerability, turning the image into a silent glimpse into her inner self.
Children of Federico Morassutti (1926) by Federico Morassutti; Giovanni Enrico MorassuttiArt Aia - Creatives / In / Residence
The Morassutti Children
After introspective portraits like Gianna Lucchetti's, Federico Morassutti turns his attention to 'The Morassutti Children,' promising further insights into human nature.
Benedetto: Carrying on the Passion
Federico Morassutti's photographic spirit is carried forward by his nephew, Benedetto. He continues the family's artistic exploration. Explore Benedetto's work and see how he interprets the world through his lens here
Glass Plate Portraits: A Glimpse into the Past
Artworks by Federico Morassutti based on Glass plate photography
Curated by Giovanni Morassutti
In collaboration with Benedetto Morassutti
© 2026 Art Aia - Creatives In Residence
The exhibition is made possible using Colorize.
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