Portrait of Giovanni Antonio Santarelli 1765 - 1799

Giovanni Battista Dell'Era made this drawing of Giovanni Antonio Santarelli with graphite and red chalk, likely in Italy, at the end of the 18th century. Portraiture was central to the social and political culture of the time, solidifying status, and commemorating important individuals. Dell'Era's decision to depict Santarelli in profile aligns with the Neoclassical revival of ancient Greek and Roman aesthetics, embodying ideals of rationality, order, and civic virtue. Notice how the details of Santarelli's clothing, like his cravat and coat, reflect the fashion and social norms of the period. This was a time of upheaval, with the French Revolution challenging old hierarchies, so the adoption of classical styles could be seen as both conservative, and progressive. To understand the portrait fully, we need to know more about both men and the precise social context. Through archival research and study of the period's art institutions, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this image functioned within its society.