Through the eyes of the protagonists
A portrait reveals much more than a simple face: it is the case of the characters represented by Gaspare Landi, who reveals what is not seen, behind the eyes of the protagonists
Portrait of countess Bianca Stampa di Soncino (1791/1791) by Gaspare LandiMusei Civici di Palazzo Farnese
“Forse
che gli occhi non bastano a incantare un core?”
These are the first words of the composition that Bianca is playing on her spinet ... perhaps the sweet words refer to the depth of the protagonist's gaze?
The precious hairstyle, which includes branches of ivy among the curly locks, was typical of the age
Portrait of Catherine Anguissola from Travo (1790/1792) by Gaspare LandiMusei Civici di Palazzo Farnese
Green eyes
The lingering green eyes are made even more intense by the color references of the hairstyle
Caterina Anguissola holds a book in her hands, this fact shows her culture and passion for reading, something not common for women
Portrait of count Giacomo Rota with his dog (1798/1798) by Gaspare LandiMusei Civici di Palazzo Farnese
the dog is man's best friend
a concatenation of faithful looks, deriving from the animal's unconditional love for its master, is reflected in this double portrait
The initials CGR, Count Giacomo Rota, are engraved in the collar of the faithful four-legged friend
The loyalty expressed by the portrait refers to the Count's loyalty to his subjects, so the painting must also be read symbolically
Self-portrait (1817/1817) by Gaspare LandiMusei Civici di Palazzo Farnese
Self-portrait
Gaspare Landi was about 60 years old when he depicted this self-portrait, but he portrayed himself as a young and vital man
A family portrait
Ranuzio Anguissola is portrayed by Landi with his eldest son, and he asks also for a painting of his young and beautiful wife
Wife/Mother
Sitting on her spinet, Ranuzio's young and talented wife, Bianca, is caught in a moment of rest from her music
Edited by Francesca Fabbri
