Paganini, Nicolò. (1782–1840)
Original Silhouette Portrait, 1830
A very finely executed silhouette portrait of the legendary violinist, signed and dated by an unknown Continental artist "R.B. 1830" to the lower right and titled "Sig[nor] Paganini." On a page measuring 6.25 x 8.25 inches, set in an attractive period birdseye maple veneer frame. A few small spots, else in fine condition.Paganini was frequently depicted, as here, with his left hand and violin uncommonly twisted and lowered. A contemporary review (‘King’s Theatre’ Friday June 3, 1831’) noted that "The flexibility of his fingers is most astonishing; even to the throwing back of his thumb flat upon the back of his left hand. I know not whether it arises from his bodily organization, or from intense application, but his left shoulder is considerably more depressed than his right. His left arm is twisted inward to an uncommon degree, and affords him, consequently, extraordinary facilities in fingering, and the general handling of his violin. – Here we have a series of physical advantages, inestimable under right application; but whether they are the gift of nature, or acquired by art, I cannot pretend to determine."
In 1828, Paganini began a six-and-a-half year concert tour that took him across Europe. He traveled through Germany and to Poland, winning particular success in Berlin and Warsaw. The young Robert Schumann heard Paganini play in Frankfurt in early April 1830, an experience to be reflected in his later music. There followed tours to Paris and, in May 1831, to Great Britain, where he gave 150 concerts in England, Scotland and Ireland over the following months. His international career as a virtuoso ended in 1834, when, after an unsatisfactory tour of England, he returned again to Italy, to Parma, invited by the Archduchess Marie Luise of Austria to re-organize the court orchestra. In 1837 he became involved in an unsuccessful and short-lived business venture in Paris, the Casino Paganini, which was intended to provide facilities equally for gambling and for music. From this and the continuing financial obligations that its failure brought, and with failing health, he took final refuge in Nice, where he died in May 1840. (23255)
Art/Sculpture Classical Music