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We perform Giovanni Boldini art authentication, appraisal, certificates of authenticity (COA), analysis, research, scientific tests, full art authentications. We will help you sell your Giovanni Boldini or we will sell it for you.

Born in Ferrara, Italy as the eighth in a family of thirteen children, Giovanni Boldini was the son of a painter and art restorer. He was a sickly baby, which led to a sick childhood, but was favored by his father nonetheless. This closeness with his father was probably the reason that Boldini became interested in art.

Nudo

At the age of 20, Boldini received a bit of money from a wealthy uncle and decided to go to Florence and attend The Academy of Art. Here he met members of the Barbizon school and was also influenced by the Macchiaioli—a group of artists opposed to academic painting.

Young Dark Lady

Boldini was able to travel extensively over the next few years to London, Italy, Spain and other corners of Europe. He studied the works of Degas, Manet, Caillebot and Sisely and was said to have admired the work of Corot. During these travels, Boldini truly found himself as a portrait painter, and even painted some frescoes in buildings along the way.

Crossing the Street, 1875 Madame Rejane, 1885 A Lady with a Cat

Eventually, Boldini would settle in Paris in 1871, but not before he gained world acclaim. Three years later he would be able to start exhibiting his work more regularly and aggressively. Boldini started the 20th century as one of the best-known Italian painters, but sadly, his work lost commercial appeal shortly after his death in 1931.

Count Robert de Montesquiou, 1897 Portrait of Giuseppe Verdi, 1886 James McNeill Whistler, 1897

Known for his paintings of women, in particular, Boldini was a master portrait painter. He would also create street scenes of Parisian city life, as well as landscapes and even costume design. By definition, Boldini was an Impressionist, although his portraits are very realistic.

In the Garden, 1885 Afternoon Stroll Street at Night

Perhaps the reason that he was so sought after by the “Belle Epoque” was his nouveau brush stroke techniques—Boldini would create fluidity in his brushstrokes that was very pleasing to the eye (and flattering to the subject). In fact, a 1933 article by Time Magazine would coin Boldini as “The Master of Swish” because of these sweeping brushstrokes. Not only that, but his subjects were often placed in slightly (or very) seductive poses that made the women in his portrait look sensual and even powerful.

Lady Colin Campbell, 1897 Madame Juliard in Red, 1912 Rita de Acosta Lydig, 1911 Lady E L Doyen, 1910 The Countess Zichy, 1905

Boldini also began experimenting with etchings and prints in the 1880’s. During this time the influence of Degas became very apparent in both his theme and style of painting—like Degas, Boldini began using pastels instead of oil paint for his larger portraits. Luckily, the two had become good friends, or else a feud might have been incited.

Madame Marie-Louise Herouet pastel

Though the name Boldini does not ring as familiar as Degas and Manet, his work was still as sought-after and highly valued. Boldini traveled extensively in his early days—meaning that the painting hanging on a relative’s wall in London, Italy or even New York and was painted between 1860-1870—could be a Boldini.

Head of a Woman, pencil on paper sketch 1910

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