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Hugh Howard , Irish, 1675-1737

Title

Portrait of Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), Composer and Violinist

Datec.1699

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions

118 x 87 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 1915

Object numberNGI.773

ProvenanceMr Anthony; Dr H. W. Cummings, FSA., Dulwich; purchased, Christie's, 17 December 1915, Dr H. W. Cummings sale, lot 147 Exhibition HistoryIrish Portraits 1660-1860, National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin, 14 August - 14 October 1969; National Portrait Gallery, London, 30 October 1969 - 4 January 1970; Ulster Museum, Belfast, 28 January - 9 March 1970

Label TextArcangelo Corelli was one of the most influential composers and violinists of the eighteenth century. Primarily based in Rome from the 1670s, he retired from public life in 1708, devoting his time to composition and revision of his concerti grossi. He died in Rome in 1713, and was buried in the Pantheon, near Raphael's tomb. Irish portrait painter Howard lived in Rome from 1697 to 1700. He cleverly showcased Corelli’s vocation, in this portrait, by including musical paraphernalia on the painted frame within the picture. Some of Corelli’s ground breaking Trio Sonata is legible in the opened book of music.