Giovanni Raffaello Badaracco (Genoa 1648 – 1726) trained in Rome, where he stayed for eight years. He was a disciple of Carlo Maratta, despite being influenced by the taste of Pietro da Cortona. He completed his training with a short stay in Naples and a longer one in Venice. On his return to Genoa, he carried out a wide range of activities, at first making a name for himself as a portrait painter, then devoting himself mainly to ‘historical’ paintings. His works reveal a pleasing ‘suave’ colouring typical of late Baroque culture, which was to find its apogee in the light and delightful Rococo painting.
The Allegoria della Pittura con l’autoritratto dell’artista will be auctioned in the Genoa auction of 15 March 2022 dedicated to Old Master and 19th century Paintings. It is among the best creations of the Genoese artist (estimated value €30,000 – €50,000). Despite expressing an obvious Capitoline sensibility, the painting shows a marked affinity with Ligurian culture, with the work of Domenico Piola. This is especially true of the robust palette, the intensity of the contrasts and the smoothness of the brushstrokes. The importance of the portrait (declared to be of extraordinary historical and artistic interest and subject to notification) also lies in its existence. Not only does it offer the real image of the artist but also the first evidence of his talent in this specific genre.