The Genius of Salvator Rosa, c. 1662

expand_more

Etching and drypointexpand_more

Gift of Terrence D. Curleyexpand_more  P.98.31.9

Not on Viewexpand_more

This etching, Salvator Rosa's psychological self-portrait, bears an inscription: Sincere, free, fiery painter and equable, despiser of wealth and death, this is my genius. He shows the artist naked, without worldly need. A Stoic philosopher and Pittura, goddess of painting, offer their wisdom, but the wreath in his hair gives us a clue as to where his innate sympathies lie. While we might expect a talented artist to wear a crown of laurels, Rosa's is crowned with ivy, the symbol of Bacchus and also the adornment of the satyress, the embodiment of unbridled passions.

Details
Title
The Genius of Salvator Rosa
Artist Life
(Naples), 1615–1673
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.98.31.9
Catalogue Raisonne
W.113 iii/iii; B.24
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.