The artwork titled “Portrait of Sebastiano Cardinal Martinelli” is an oil on canvas painting created by the artist Thomas Eakins in the year 1902. This piece is part of the Realism movement and belongs to the genre of portraiture. It is currently housed at the Hammer Museum, which is part of the University of California, Los Angeles, CA, US.
The artwork depicts Sebastiano Cardinal Martinelli seated in a high-backed wooden chair adorned with modest yet decorative elements. The Cardinal is dressed in traditional clerical attire, consisting of a dark robe complemented by red accents symbolizing his high ecclesiastical rank. The painting’s background is minimally detailed, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the dignified and serene demeanor of Cardinal Martinelli. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure, while the overall dark palette imbues the scene with a sense of solemnity and contemplation. The meticulous brushwork and realistic representation are characteristic of Eakins’ dedication to capturing the true essence of his subjects.
