CARBONE, GIOVANNI BERNARDO. - Painter, born in Genova in 1614. In his youth he attended the workshop of G. A. de Ferrari. Subsequently, probably around 1650, he went to Venezia. He then returned to his native city, where he remained until 1683, the year of his death.
In his youth C. devoted himself to fresco painting. He was later the author of notable paintings of sacred subjects in which, however, he adhered so closely to the manner of his master that he was often confused with him. C.’s greater renown is nonetheless linked to his activity as a portrait painter, in which he sought to approach the great models left in Genova by Van Dyck. His drawing is, however, less free, his colouring 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, an agreeable colourist. In the late period of his activity, a certain weariness is apparent.
Among his sacred works may be mentioned a Madonna at Celle Ligure, signed and dated 1665; a Visitation at Lerici. Notable among his portraits are the Gentleman with Son at Palazzo Venezia; the Magnifico Emanuele Brignole, Genova, Albergo dei poveri; the Prelate, there, Palazzo Reale; the Magnifico Emanuele Serra, there, Serra property, etc.