Giovan Battista Razzani (Cesena, 1603 - 1666) - Oil on canvas; cm 78 x 64
The place of origin of the portrait is unknown, but thanks to the inscription we can establish with certainty the identity of the subject, friar Tommaso da Caltagirone. This is the inscription: VERA EFFIGE DEL M.R.P. FRA TOMMASO DA/ CALTAGIRONE PREDICATORE CAPVCCINO/SICILIANO D'/ANNI 46/D'ETA'/ PREDICO' IN/CESENA L'ANNO /16/42
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The friar is represented as a bust with a crown of thorns on his head. The expression is stern and warning and he holds a crucifix forcefully in his hand. It symbolizes the strength he uses to convince his listeners about his doctrine.
Razzani painted many portraits and he was very good at representing likenesses and details.