Follower of Guido Reni, XVIIIth century

Follower of GUIDO RENI (Calvenzano di Vergato, Bologna, 1575 - Bologna, 1642); 18th century.
"Portrait of Betrice Cenci".
Oil on canvas.
Relined.
Measurements: 61 x 49 cm; 72 x 64 cm (frame).

This portrait of a half-length young woman looking at us with an imploring expression is clearly based on the Portrait of Beatrice Cenci originally attributed to Gudio Reni and preserved in the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Rome, in the Barberini Palace (although the possible authorship of Elisabetta Sirani is debated). The present painting emulates the posture, the attire and the expression, but interprets more freely the physiognomic features. Beatrice Cenci was accused of a family plot to murder her father Francesco Cenci, who was abusing her. The young woman, despite having significant popular support, was condemned by the Church (since her father made significant donations to the ecclesiastical institution), and was beheaded. In the oil painting, Beatrice turns her head, as if seeking the viewer's complicity, while she is already in her cell, awaiting her sentence.