Who painted Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man was painted by Giovanni Bellini in 1496.

Where can I see Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man is held by Capitoline Museums.

What movement is Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

Portrait of a man

Giovanni Bellini , 1496

Portrait of a man is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Capitoline Museums.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting, titled Portrait of a Man, is attributed to the Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Bellini and dates to around the year 1500. It is part of the collection of the Galleria Capitolina within Rome’s Capitoline Museums.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a solitary male figure with long, light‑brown hair, dressed in a black hat and a black shirt accented by a white collar. His expression is sober, his gaze directed leftward, and his features—thin eyebrows, a small nose, and a narrow mouth—are rendered with careful realism.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Bellini employs a muted grey‑blue background that allows the figure’s dark clothing and subtle skin tones to stand out. The brushwork captures fine details such as the brown eyes and the texture of the hair, reflecting the artist’s mastery of tonal modeling.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Galleria Capitolina’s holdings in the early 20th century, though earlier ownership records are scarce. Its presence in the Capitoline Museums links it to the broader context of Bellini’s late works, which were collected by Roman institutions during the period.