Artwork

Portrait of a Young Man with an Apple

Portrait of a Young Man with an Apple, by Raphael, oil, 1504
Portrait of a Young Man with an Apple, by Raphael, oil, 1504

Portrait of a Young Man with an Apple is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Raphael. It dates from 1504 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of a Young Man with an Apple is an oil on poplar painting created by Raphael around 1505. It is now housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a young man with dark hair, wearing a red beret and robe with a fur-trimmed collar, holding an apple. The subject's identity is likely Francesco Maria I della Rovere, future Duke of Urbino, given the painting's probable origin in the della Rovere/Montefeltro family.

Technique & Style

Raphael's use of oil paint and chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, texture, and volume. The subject's direct gaze engages the viewer, while the serene landscape background adds to the overall effect.

History & Provenance

The painting was likely made for the della Rovere/Montefeltro family in Urbino, possibly commissioned after the 1504 adoption of Francesco Maria I della Rovere by his uncle, Pope Julius II.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Raphael

Artist

Raphael

Raphael was born Raffaello Sanzio in Urbino on April 6, 1483, the son of Giovanni Santi, a painter and poet attached to the ducal court.

Uffizi Gallery

Museum

Uffizi Gallery

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