Count Giacomo Durazzo (1717–1794) and Ernestine Aloisia
Martin van Meytens the Younger
"Count Giacomo Durazzo (1717–1794) and Ernestine Aloisia Ungnad von Weissenwolff (1732–1794)" is a portrait painting by Martin van Meytens the Younger, created in the early 1760s. The work depicts Count Giacomo Durazzo, a prominent figure in the Venetian nobility, alongside his wife, Ernestine Aloisia Ungnad von Weissenwolff. Van Meytens, known for his refined portraiture, captures the subjects in a formal yet intimate manner, reflecting their social status and personal connection. The painting exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by its elegance and attention to detail. The exact circumstances of the commission and the relationship between the artist and the sitters remain unknown. The work is significant for its representation of 18th-century aristocracy and the artistic trends of the period.
The painting "Count Giacomo Durazzo and Ernestine Aloisia Ungnad von Weissenwolff" by Martin van Meytens the Younger features a formal portrait composition. Count Durazzo is depicted on the left, dressed in an elaborate dark coat with a white cravat, his posture exuding confidence and authority. He gazes directly at the viewer, his expression composed and dignified. Ernestine Aloisia Ungnad von Weissenwolff stands to the right, adorned in a sumptuous gown with intricate detailing, her attire reflecting the fashion of the period. She holds a delicate fan, and her gaze is directed towards Durazzo, suggesting a connection between the two figures. The background is softly rendered, allowing the subjects to stand out prominently. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, while the color palette is rich yet balanced, contributing to the overall elegance of the composition. The painting exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by its attention to detail and emphasis on the refinement of the subjects.