Artwork
Portrait of a young man
Portrait of a young man is a paint painting by the Early Renaissance artist Lorenzo Costa. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
Lorenzo Costa’s portrait, painted in 1496, presents a young man rendered in oil on panel. The figure occupies a central position against a muted, dark backdrop, his gaze directed toward the left. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it is displayed among other Renaissance pieces.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown with dark, wavy hair and a striking red hat, dressed in a red tunic trimmed with a white collar and a black neck band. His contemplative expression and the subdued lighting suggest an introspective mood, inviting viewers to consider his inner thoughts or social status.
Technique & Style
Costa employs a restrained palette of reds, whites, and deep shadows to model the figure’s form, creating a sense of three‑dimensionality. The subtle gradations of light across the face and clothing reveal careful handling of chiaroscuro, while the dark background isolates the subject, emphasizing his presence.
History & Provenance
Created toward the end of the fifteenth century, the portrait entered the Gemäldegalerie’s holdings through acquisitions made during the museum’s early 20th‑century expansion. Its provenance prior to this remains undocumented, but the work has been attributed to Costa based on stylistic analysis linking it to his known oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a young Man
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of Gerolamo Casio
Portrait of a Young Man, possibly Giuliano de' Medici
Head of a Laurel-Crowned Poet (?)
Portrait of Agnolo Doni
Portrait of a Young Man in Red