Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
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Object number08249
TitleArcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
Creator Hugh (1675-1737) Howard (Artist)
DescriptionThis exquisite painting by Hugh Howard portrays a musician at the height of his career. The subject is the Italian violinist Arcangelo Corelli, one of the foremost composers of the baroque period.
Hugh Howard was born into a wealthy family in Dublin. Having shown a taste for painting, in 1697 he went on a Grand Tour through Holland and Italy as a companion of Thomas, Earl of Pembroke. Howard stayed in Italy for three years, studying drawing and painting under Carlo Maratti. While in Rome he mixed with artistic, literary and musical people such as Arcangelo Corelli.
Corelli also came from a wealthy family. He began his musical journey with lessons from the local priest. His path took him then to Bologna, where he became a professional violinist, and later to Rome. There, Corelli had several influential patrons including Queen Christina of Sweden and the Pope’s nephew, Cardinal Ottoboni.
As a violinist, Corelli introduced a new style of playing, cantabile (songlike). His performances brought him fame and favour; he travelled across Europe wowing audiences and inspiring other musicians. A new generation of composers were influenced by his music, including Vivaldi and Handel. Corelli wrote music mostly for stringed instruments; he developed the baroque concept of the concerto grosso, where the performance is shared between the orchestra and a small group of solo musicians.
As for Howard, he returned to Britain in 1700 where he undertook commissions as a portrait painter. He was later made Keeper of the State Papers and Paymaster of Royal Palaces. With the salary from these positions and a decent private income, Howard gave up painting and turned to collecting medals, drawings and prints.
Production placeRome
Production date 1698
Production period17th century
Object nameOil Painting
MaterialOil/Canvas
TechniquePainted
Dimensions
image Height: 960 mm
image Width: 720 mm
frame Height: 1115 mm
frame Width: 870 mm
image Width: 720 mm
frame Height: 1115 mm
frame Width: 870 mm