Allegory of the Lightness of Being

Giuseppe Maria Mitelli (mentioned on object), 1702

This elegantly attired nobleman – who is young (giovine), handsome (bello) and rich (ricco) – flaunts his possessions. His affluence is emphasized by the pile of gold coins on the table and the many costly attributes of art, gaming, and diversions that literally surround him. Yet apparently this is not enough. Amid all this opulence, he looks disillusioned and unsatisfied. Is this all there is?

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-2015-95
  • Dimensionsheight 274 mm x width 190 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Allegory of the Lightness of Being

  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-P-2015-95

  • Description

    Een elegant geklede jongeman zit aan tafel met voor zich een berg geldstukken. Hij is omgeven door attributen van kunsten, spel en vertier horend bij zijn stand waaronder wapens, een tennisracket, muziekboeken, muziekinstrumenten en een ridderorde. Het onderschrift voert de man sprekend op.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • inscription: ‘Son giovine, son bello, son sano, son nobile, son ricco, son bravo, son stimato, e son fortunate: E POI’
    • collector's mark: Lugt 2228
  • Catalogue reference

    Bertarelli 550


Creation

  • Creation

    printmaker: Giuseppe Maria Mitelli (mentioned on object), Italy

  • Dating

    1702

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    ets

  • Dimensions

    height 274 mm x width 190 mm


This work is about

  • Subject


Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Gift of Nicolaas Teeuwisse OHG

  • Acquisition

    gift 2015

  • Copyright


Documentation

  • Gallerie Bassenge, Berlijn, veiling 103 (29-5-2014), nr. 5154; Nicolaas Teeuwisse, Selected Works Tefaf 2015, nr. 111


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