Francesco Bernardi detto il Senesino (Fitzwilliam Object no. P.10512-R), Joseph Goupy, circa 1730

Portrait of the contralto castrato francesco bernardi, better known under his stage name senesino at the same time a parody of the castrati and their singing - and the wealth they earned with it. The lines beneath the portrait - in their english translation - read:: renown'd siena gave him birth and name kind heaven his voice and harmony his fame while here the great and fair their tribute bring the deaf may wonder where his merits spring but all think fortune just that have him sing engraving by elisha kirkall (ca. 1682-1742) after an artwork by joseph goupy (1689-1769) preserved at fitzwilliam museum cambridge, object-number: p. 10512-r. Date: circa 1730.