Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)

Think that you may own a portrait of Alessandro Volta? We authenticate, appraise, research and issue certificates of authenticity (COA) and provide consultations for all portraits of Alessandro Volta.

There is only one authentic portrait of Count Alessandro Volta in existence. Volta was an Italian physicist who invented the electric battery. The “volt”, a unit of force, is named after him. Napolean I made him a count in 1801 after Volta presented a series of experiments before him in Paris. Volta was born in 1745 and died in 1827.

Portrait #1, Nicolo Bettoni, 1800

Portrait #1 was painted by Nicolo Bettoni in 1801. Very little is known about the artist.

Volta Showing his Battery to Napoleon, by Giuseppe Bertini 1801

There is one post mortem portrait to be mentioned. This portrait is by Giuseppe Bertini (1825-1898). In this portrait, Volta is showing his battery to Napoleon.

It is likely that there are additional authentic portraits of Bettoni in existence. It appears that the scientist was not frequently portrayed, though we will never know until more of his portraits turn up. Still wondering about a portrait in your family collection? Contact us... it could be a portrait of Alessandro Volta.