Giuseppe Balsamo Collection

Portrait of Giuseppe Balsamo (called Count Alessandro Cagliostro) (image 2 of 2), c.1786. Creator: Jean-Antoine Houdon
Portrait of Giuseppe Balsamo (called Count Alessandro Cagliostro) (image 2 of 2), c.1786

Portrait of Giuseppe Balsamo (called Count Alessandro Cagliostro) (image 1 of 2), c.1786. Creator: Jean-Antoine Houdon
Portrait of Giuseppe Balsamo (called Count Alessandro Cagliostro) (image 1 of 2), c.1786

Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795). Creator: Bartolozzi, Francesco (1728-1813)
Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795). Found in the Collection of the Bibliotheque Nationale de France

Portrait of Cagliostro (1743-95) copy of an illustration from
STC202527 Portrait of Cagliostro (1743-95) copy of an illustration from Histoire de la Magie by Paul Christian, used in a History of Magic

Account of the Confrontation between Comtesse de la Motte
ARH245056 Account of the Confrontation between Comtesse de la Motte and Cagliostro during the trial concerning the Queens necklace, 24th May 1786 (pen & ink on paper) by French School

Interview of Marie-Antoinette and Cagliostro at the Petit Trianon (colour litho)
CHT218689 Interview of Marie-Antoinette and Cagliostro at the Petit Trianon (colour litho) by Spanish School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, before the Inquisition in Rome on April 14, 1791, 1791. Private Collection

Portrait of Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, 18th century. Creator: Anonymous
Portrait of Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, 18th century. Private Collection

Joseph Balsamo, comte de Cagliostro, in his cabinet, creating an Homunculus. Private Collection

Magic session of Count Alessandro of Cagliostro, Second Half of the 19th century. Artist: Anonymous
Magic session of Count Alessandro of Cagliostro, Second Half of the 19th century. Found in the collection of Russian National Library, St. Petersburg

Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795), 1781. Artist: Duhamel du Monceau, Henri-Louis (1700-1782)
Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795), 1781. From a private collection

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Giuseppe Balsamo, also known as Count Alessandro di Cagliostro (1743-1795), was a mysterious figure of the 18th century. This portrait by Francesco Bartolozzi captures his enigmatic presence, showcasing his charismatic gaze and intriguing demeanor. Cagliostro's life was filled with controversy and intrigue. He found himself entangled in the infamous Affair of the Diamond Necklace, as depicted in this illustration from an account of the confrontation between Comtesse de la Motte and him. Rumors spread about his involvement with Marie-Antoinette, leading to an interview at the Petit Trianon, portrayed vividly in a color lithograph. However, it was during his trial before the Inquisition in Rome that Cagliostro truly faced adversity. On April 14, 1791, he stood defiantly against accusations while maintaining an air of mystery and mysticism. An anonymous artist captured this momentous occasion in a captivating portrait. Known for his alchemical experiments and esoteric practices, Cagliostro is depicted here creating an Homunculus within his cabinet—a testament to his pursuit of hidden knowledge and arcane arts. Another anonymous artist portrays him conducting a magical session; one can only imagine what wonders unfolded during these encounters. Henri-Louis Duhamel du Monceau's depiction showcases Cagliostro's allure as he gazes confidently into the distance—an embodiment of both charm and secrecy. Alexander Roslin's portrait further immortalizes him with meticulous detail—his piercing eyes revealing glimpses into a complex soul. Johann-Baptist von Lampi presents yet another perspective on Cagliostro—the elder count exuding wisdom beyond his years. These portraits capture different facets of this enigmatic character—each hinting at untold stories waiting to be unraveled. Joseph Balsamo remains forever shrouded in mystery—a man of many names and identities.