Portrait of the Marquess Emma Marignoli Torelli 1876

Anton Romako painted this portrait of the Marquess Emma Marignoli Torelli using oil on canvas. Notice Romako’s use of bold brushstrokes, particularly visible in the Marquess’s flowing gown, creating a sense of movement and immediacy. The application of the paint itself becomes a crucial element, imbuing the artwork with a raw energy. Romako’s loose brushwork and unfinished quality might be seen to challenge the highly polished, refined aesthetic associated with traditional portraiture. The artwork prompts us to reflect on the labor and skill involved in the artmaking process, while also considering the socio-economic context in which this portrait was created. In closing, by attending to the materiality and the making of the artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for the painting itself, and a broader understanding of the relationship between art, craft, and society.