Portrait of the Artist's Father, Ismael Mengs
Anton Raphael Mengs·1747–48
Historical Context
Anton Raphael Mengs's portrait of his father Ismael Mengs from 1747-48 depicts the German-Bohemian miniaturist and enamel painter who trained his son with famously rigorous discipline. The elder Mengs named his son after Raphael and Correggio, determined to create a painter who would revive the greatness of the Renaissance. Anton Raphael would indeed become the leading neoclassical painter in Europe.
Technical Analysis
Mengs's oil on canvas shows his early portrait style before his full development of neoclassical theory, with accomplished modeling, warm flesh tones, and the precise observation that reflects his miniaturist father's training.
Provenance
Private collection or dealer in Cincinnati, Ohio, late 1930s [according to conversation of Philip Pinsof and Tiffany Johnston, 7 February 2002, notes in curatorial file]; Philip Pinsof, Wilmette, from late 1930s [according to conversation cited above]; given to the Art Institute, 1962.
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