Lotto, Lorenzo

Portrait of a Bearded Man

circa 1540

Category
Place Made
Italy: Venice
Materials
Oil on canvas
Measurements
38 1/2 x 33 1/2 in (97.79 x 85.09 cm)
Credit Line
The Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession #
61.79
Description

The tight space between the blue curtain, cast shadow of the green wall and the picture’s frame are in tension with the hulking outline of this man’s cloak, his projected hand and improbably long nose. His wide collar adds to this imposing effect as does his large head and steely gaze. His mannered gesture is one of presentation and he holds a handkerchief of fine linen to signal gentility and status.