"A Roman Cardinal" Wax Portrait by Francesco Pozzi

This is a beautiful example of the wax modeling work of 17th century Italian sculptor and painter, Francesco Pozzi. Made with stunning attention to detail, wax is one of the earliest known mediums for portraiture. Miniature wax portraits were first invented in Italy during the 16th century and remained exceedingly popular around the world until the mid-19th century. The portraits were generally made as popular gifts in noble and bourgeois society or for disseminating and immortalizing the image of the sovereign.

This mid-19th century miniature portrait portrays the profile of a Roman cardinal dressed in a refined suit and a traditional zucchetto cap. The wax portrait is left unpainted, revealing the original molding material while still achieving an astonishingly realistic likenesses of the subject. The finished portrait is mounted on a blue backdrop and secured in a brown frame. With the advent of photography, wax impressions as an art form fell out of popularity, making this a rare collectible.

Two splits to wooden frame.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.