Alberto Morrocco, R.S.A., R.S.W. (1917-1998)

Self-Portrait with Wife and Child and Conde-Duque de Olivares

Details

Alberto Morrocco, R.S.A., R.S.W. (1917-1998)
Self-Portrait with Wife and Child and Conde-Duque de Olivares
signed and dated 'Morrocco/1968' (lower right), signed again and inscribed 'SELF PORTRAIT WITH WIFE AND/CHILD AND CONDE DUQUE DE/OLIVARES/Alberto Morrocco R.S.A.' (on a label attached to the frame)
oil on canvas
70 x 97½ in. (177.8 x 247.6 cm.)
This lot is subject to Artist's Resale Right.

Literature

C. Young and V. Keller, Alberto Morrocco, Edinburgh, 1993, p. 60, pl. 52, illustrated.

Exhibited

Dundee, Dundee Art Galleries and Museums, Alberto Morrocco Retrospective Exhibition, 1993, no. 79: this exhibition travelled to Aberdeen, Aberdeen Art Gallery; Edinburgh, Edinburgh City Art Centre and Milngavie, Lillie Art Gallery.
London, Royal Academy, 1969, no. 413.

Sale room notice

Please note that this lot is subject to Artist's Resale Right.

Lot Essay

The present self-portrait, with its inclusion of the Conde-Duque de Olivares is a homage to Velázquez. Morrocco commented:
'I admire Velázquez very much because of his complete control both in technique and in the organisation of the idea and his cool observation - standing back a little from the subject'
(C. Young and V. Keller, Alberto Morrocco, Edinburgh, 1993, p. 81).
Morrocco seems to create this 'cool observation' in his handling of this intimate and introspective self-portrait including Vera and Annalisa.
Velázquez's portrait of the Count-Duke of Olivares is in the Collection of the Museo del Prado, Madrid.

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