The artwork “Luigi Calamatta” was created by the masterful French artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres in the year 1828, during the Neoclassical art movement. This portrait, which is housed within a private collection, adeptly captures the likeness of Luigi Calamatta, who himself was an esteemed Italian engraver. Ingres, renowned for his precision and clarity, infused this work with the refined aesthetics characteristic of Neoclassicism.
The artwork presents Calamatta in a half-length pose, his gaze directed toward the viewer, imparting a sense of immediacy and connection. His hair curls naturally, providing a textural contrast to the more linear elements of the composition. Clad in what appears to be a coat of the period, Calamatta’s attire suggests a gentlemanly status, fitting for a professional of his standing. Notably, his arm’s gesture is implied rather than fully depicted—resting on or interacting with an object that is not fully within view, perhaps a reference to his own artistic pursuits. The skillful use of drawing reveals the careful attention Ingres paid to the contours and subtleties of Calamatta’s features, capturing his personality with an economy of line that speaks to the artist’s technical prowess. This sketch may serve as a testament not only to the artistic talent of Ingres but also to the respect and admiration he had for Calamatta.