Artwork

Portrait of an Old Man

Portrait of an Old Man, by Giulio Campi, unspecified, 1504
Portrait of an Old Man, by Giulio Campi, unspecified, 1504

Portrait of an Old Man is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Giulio Campi. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This painting, Portrait of an Old Man, is the work of Giulio Campi, a member of a prominent family of Northern Italian artists.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an elderly man holding a letter with a broken seal, his face characterized by pronounced wrinkles. His intense gaze is directed outward, yet remains aloof, reflecting Renaissance ideals of refined demeanor.

Technique & Style

The artist's attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the sitter's facial features and the letter in his hand. The somber attire, while simple in appearance, is executed in a rich black fabric that signified high social standing in certain European contexts.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giulio Campi

Giulio Campi (1502 – 5 March 1572) was an Italian painter and architect. His brothers Vincenzo Campi and Antonio Campi were also renowned painters.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.