Three portraits of identified Italian military officers

Watercolor and gouache on bone

19th century

Each portrait approx. 1 1/4 x 1 3/4 in., framed to 6 1/2 x 6 1/2. 

Contemporary parcel gilt and silk frame

Contemporary identification for each portrait subject to frame reverse

A rare and well-documented example of early nineteenth‑century Italian familial memorial portraiture.

The portraits depict three male sitters, all dressed in military or official attire consistent with the early nineteenth century. The upper miniature depicts an older man with greying hair worn tied back, dressed in a blue coat with light trim. The lower left miniature depicts a young officer in a dark military coat with a high blue collar and epaulettes. The lower right miniature shows another young officer wearing a blue coat with red collar and lapels and visible metal buttons. The stylistic handling and costume details are consistent with Italian or Adriatic military portraiture of the Napoleonic era.

The manuscript inscription on the reverse identifies the sitters and provides biographical context, written in Italian with period abbreviations:

- Angelo Macri, identified as Tesoriere Generale (“General Treasurer”), dated 1809.

- Giovanni Andrea Macri, as Tenente nel Battaglione Reale d’Istria (“Lieutenant in the Royal Battalion of Istria”), dated 1808.

- Agostino de Filaretti, identified as a captain and later commander associated with a Marine Infantry battalion, with a date of 1833, likely referring to a subsequent rank or appointment.

A dedicatory inscription at the bottom reads: “Sorella – figlia – moglie / In attestato d’amore / Maria Filaretti nata Macri” [“Sister – daughter – wife / As a token of love / Maria Filaretti, née Macri.”]

The inscriptions strongly suggest that the three portraits represent members of a single family group: Angelo Macri as the father, Giovanni Andrea Macri as the brother, and Agostino de Filaretti as the husband of the dedicator, Maria Filaretti (née Macri). The object appears to have functioned as a private commemorative assemblage, expressing familial identity and affection through the presentation of male relatives in official and military roles.

The differing dates on the inscription indicate that the backing was likely inscribed or augmented over time, reflecting the evolving careers of the sitters rather than a single moment of production. The later date of 1833 associated with Agostino de Filaretti suggests retrospective annotation rather than the execution date of the miniature itself.

[Art, Fine Art, Portrait Miniature, Paintings, 19th Century, Italy]

Not examined out of frame