Hope c.1850
Oil on canvas | 99.3 x 96.5 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 403584
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Emma Gaggiotti Richards was born in Rome, spent her youth in Ancona, where she met her future husband, an Englishman. Later they moved to London and remained there until 1854. Her religious and mythological paintings and portraits brought her wide recognition. This is one of a set of four allegories (403620, 403576, 403586 and 403584), depicting ‘Religion’ and the three theological virtues, commissioned by Prince Albert and modeled on Raphael’s four virtues in roundels on the vault of the Stanza della Segnatura. Hope is represented as a seated woman, accompanied by two cherubs, who raises her hand and eyes towards heaven. The picture may have been exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1851 with the title 'Amore in Dio' (Love of God) and as the property of Prince Albert. Signed: 'EMMA. GAGGIOTTI. RICHARDS.'; inscribed on the back with the subject and the name of the artist and 'No 1'.
Provenance
Given to Queen Victoria by Prince Albert, 24th December 1850. [Victoria & Albert: Art & Love, London, 2010, pg 458]
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Creator(s)
(framemaker)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
99.3 x 96.5 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
127.5 x 127.0 x 12.7 cm (frame, external)
Other number(s)
Alternative title(s)
Faith, previously identified as