Artwork Information

Derived from Castiglione’s Genius, the allegorical figure is represented by Rosa crowned in ivy. He ignores the cornucopia spilling coins and jewels to offer his heart to Sincerity, who holds a dove, while Liberty places a cap on his head. Watched by the figure of Painting (taken from Raphael), he ignores various signs of decay and mortality in the background. The inscription reads ‘Sincere, free, fiery painter, and equable, despiser of wealth and death, this is my genius’. (A Connoisseur's Eye: Prints from the Tomory Collection, 2005)