Carbone, Giovanni Bernardo

CARBONE, GIOVANNI BERNARDO. - Painter, b. in Genoa in 1614. As a young man he frequented the workshop of G. A. de Ferrari. Later, probably around 1650, he went to Venice. He then returned to his homeland, where he remained until 1683, the year of his death.

In his youth C. devoted himself to fresco painting. He was therefore the author of notable paintings on sacred subjects, in which, however, he adhered so closely to the manner of his master as often to be confused with him. C.'s greater renown is nevertheless linked to his activity as a portraitist, in which he sought to approach the great models left in Genoa by Van Dyck. His drawing is, however, less easy, his coloring less brilliant and vivid: negative qualities that do not deprive him of the merit of being an attentive and precise "interpreter" of his sitters and, often, a pleasing colorist. In the late period of his activity a certain weariness is noticeable.

Among the works on sacred subjects, mention is made of a Madonna at Celle Ligure, signed and dated 1665; a Visitation at Lerici. Among the notable portraits are the Gentleman with His Son at Palazzo Venezia; the Magnifico Emanuele Brignole, Genoa, Albergo dei Poveri; the Prelate, there, Palazzo Reale; the Magnifico Emanuele Serra, there, Serra property, etc.

Pietro Zampetti