Artwork
Portrait of a Gentleman
Portrait of a Gentleman is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Altobello Melone. It dates from 1513 and is held in the collection of the Accademia Carrara.
About this work
The painting is called Portrait of a Gentleman.
It was made by Altobello Melone in 1513.
You can find it at the Accademia Carrara, which is interesting because this museum has a collection of artworks from the 15th to 19th centuries.
The painting is made with oil paint on a wood panel.
To learn more about similar artwork, look up the museum: Accademia Carrara.
Overview
Portrait of a Gentleman is an oil-on-wood-panel painting created in 1513 by Altobello Melone. It is housed at the Accademia Carrara in Bergamo, a museum known for its 15th- to 19th-century art collection.
Subject & Meaning
The subject's identity was once mistakenly attributed to Cesare Borgia, son of Pope Alexander VI, based on its provenance in Count Guglielmo Lochis's collection. However, this identification is not supported by current scholarship, which focuses on the work's stylistic attributes rather than the sitter's identity.
Technique & Style
The painting exemplifies Melone's eccentric style, characterized by distinctive facial expressions and compositional choices. Its attribution to Melone was confirmed by comparing it to his work 'The Road to Emmaus'.
History & Provenance
Originally part of Count Guglielmo Lochis's collection, the painting was later attributed to Altobello Melone in 1871, with confirmation by Mina Gregori in 1955. A copy, commissioned by the Borgia family centuries later, was created by Pelagio Palagi and discussed by Antoine-Claude Pasquin.
Context
Created in 1513, the painting reflects the artistic trends of its time, though its unique style sets it apart. Its presence in the Accademia Carrara situates it within a broader collection spanning several centuries of European art.
Legacy
While not widely recognized outside scholarly circles for a specific iconic status, 'Portrait of a Gentleman' contributes to the understanding of Altobello Melone's oeuvre and the artistic nuances of the early 16th century.
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