Salvator Rosa, celebrated painter of stormy landscapes and bandits, famed satirical poet and actor, was one of the most fascinating personalities of 17th century art. T

 

This lecture illustrates the vivid array of self-portraits which displayed his inordinate vanity and immense ambition.  It concentrates above all on his dashing self-portrait as an actor, in the role of Pascariello, a witty and satirical character from the Neapolitan commedia dell’arte.  It explores the origins of the role, and his rivalry with Ribera and with the great Bernini.  Through this persona the dark and charismatic Neapolitan bewitched the artistic and literary circles of Florence and Rome.

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Helen Langdon, former Assistant Director of the British School at Rome, is an art historian with a special interest in the Italian Baroque.  In 2010 she curated a major exhibition, Salvator Rosa; Bandits, Wilderness and Magic at Dulwich Picture Gallery, and in 2022 published Salvator Rosa; Paint and Performance (Reaktion books).  She has also written a biography of Caravaggio, and in 2025 curated an exhibition, Caravaggio’s Cupid, at the Wallace collection.

 

Entry to tonight’s talk is free to members, and guests are encouraged.  ***Special offer for guests and visitors.  Free entry tonight if you take out Friends’ Adult Single 2026 membership only £20 running from now to September 2026, or £40 to end September 2027*** otherwise, we currently operate an honesty policy and ask for a donation of £10 cash at the door or via our £8 via our JustGiving web page.

 

You are encouraged to stay behind after the talk for a chat and to partake of complimentary drinks and nibbles.

 

7pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Kimbolton Road

Generously sponsored by Marlies Branson, long standing member and supporter of The Friends of The Higgins.​​

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[IMAGE] Self Portrait Salvator Rosa ca. 1647

Metropolitan Museum of Art New York

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