Date
1850-1882
Object Type
Photograph
Subject
Francesco Valaperta, the hand-kiss between Nicolò de Lapi and Laudomia, protagonists of the historical novel by Massimo d'Azeglio in 1841.
Holding institution
Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera
About The Work
The photographic reproduction of Il Baciamano, a work by Francesco Valaperta, is recorded in the collection of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts among the bequest of the painter Francesco Hayez, received between 1861 and 1870. The photograph reproduces the painting depicting the hand-kissing scene between Nicolò de Lapi and Laudomia, protagonists of Massimo d’Azeglio’s 1841 historical novel, set in the late fourteenth century in Pisa during its conflict with Florence. Nicolò de Lapi is a brave and rebellious nobleman who falls in love with Laudomia, a beautiful, wise, and devout lady, here portrayed as an attractive young woman in profile, dressed in a light satin gown with floral motifs and her hair gathered into a braid. In a bedroom, Nicolò—dressed in dark garments—kneels at a prie-dieu before the lady and kisses her hand. The painting represents an early work by Francesco Valaperta, a painter specialized in historical subjects, active from 1859 and a favoured pupil of Francesco Hayez, from whom he absorbed a romantic and patriotic sensibility, marked by an emphasis on feeling and formal elegance. The image was most likely presented by the pupil to his mentor shortly after its creation. The painting is now in a private collection and is difficult to access. This photographic reproduction, taken by the photographer Pompeo Pozzi—himself trained within and closely connected to the academic milieu—makes it possible to underline, through figurative art, the passing of the torch in the mentor–pupil relationship between two generations of painters.
Title
Francesco Valaperta, The Hand Kiss
Subject
Francesco Valaperta, the hand-kiss between Nicolò de Lapi and Laudomia, protagonists of the historical novel by Massimo d'Azeglio in 1841.
Creator
Unidentified photographer
Date
1850-1882
Object Type
Photograph
Technique / Support
Albumen print
Original Function
Documentation
Dimensions
mm 227x192
Holding institution
Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera
Unique identifier
ICCD_MIDF_7313142990771