Artwork

Young man in a fur cloak, 1558

Young man in a fur cloak, 1558, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil, 1558
Young man in a fur cloak, 1558, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil, 1558

Young man in a fur cloak, 1558 is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1558 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Tintoretto’s oil painting *Young man in a fur cloak* was executed in 1558 during the height of the Venetian Mannerist movement.

About this work

Overview

Tintoretto’s oil painting *Young man in a fur cloak* was executed in 1558 during the height of the Venetian Mannerist movement. The work portrays a solitary figure against a dark backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s attire and posture. It is part of the permanent collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas shows a youthful male figure clad in a black vest, bright red trousers, and a white fur mantle that falls across his shoulders. His right hand extends forward, a gesture that conveys confidence and poise. The combination of luxurious fabrics and the composed stance suggests a portrait of a well‑to‑do individual, intended to highlight status and refinement.

Technique & Style
Tintoretto employs his characteristic vigorous brushwork, allowing the textures of fur and cloth to emerge with a palpable immediacy.

Tintoretto employs his characteristic vigorous brushwork, allowing the textures of fur and cloth to emerge with a palpable immediacy. The composition is deliberately dramatic: the figure is illuminated against a deep, almost black background, creating a stark contrast that draws the eye to the vivid reds and whites. The muscular rendering of the torso reflects the artist’s preference for robust, dynamic forms.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the mid‑sixteenth century, the painting has remained in private and institutional hands before entering the Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection, where it is displayed among other works of Venetian art. Its provenance records confirm its attribution to Tintoretto and its consistent identification as a portrait from 1558.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian: ; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.

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