ANTONIO SEBASTIANO BETTINI (FLORENCE 1707-?)
Portrait of a gentleman, in black, leaning over a ledge
signed and dated 'Bettini. 79' (lower left)
oil on canvas
78.8 x 63.5 cm
Bears label for John Ruskin attached verso

PROVENANCE:
sale, Christie's South Kensington, 8 March 2011, Lot 56

Antonio Sebastiano Bettini, born in Florence in 1707. He was primarily known for his work as a painter and engraver.

Bettini was trained in the workshop of the Florentine painter Giovanni Battista Ranieri, who was known for his frescoes and decorative works in churches and palaces. Bettini became Ranieri's assistant and worked with him on various projects, including the decoration of the Medici Palace in Florence.

Bettini also developed his skills as an engraver and produced a number of prints, including portraits and religious scenes. His work was highly regarded and he received commissions from a number of prominent figures, including the Grand Duke of Tuscany.

Unfortunately, not much is known about Bettini's later life or his works beyond the 1730s. It is believed that he may have traveled to Spain and Portugal to work on commissions, but there is little documentation to support this.