Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting by the High Renaissance artist Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Man is a painting created in 1510 by Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, a Florentine artist of the High Renaissance. The work is a waist-up portrait of a serious-looking man, executed in a realistic style with meticulous attention to detail.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a mature man with gray hair and a thin beard, is depicted in a state of solemnity, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze. His attire, consisting of a black robe and hat, along with a ring on his visible right hand, suggests a figure of dignity or modest prosperity, though his specific identity remains unknown.
Technique & Style
Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio employed a realistic approach, characterized by detailed rendering of the subject's clothing, facial features, and the subtle play of light on his form. The muted background serves to emphasize the subject's presence.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1510, the portrait is now part of the Clark Art Institute's collection. While the artist's activity was primarily centered in Florence, the painting's history prior to its current ownership is not detailed here.
Context
As a work of the High Renaissance, Portrait of a Man reflects the era's emphasis on realism and individual portraiture. Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio's style, while indebted to his father Domenico's traditions, contributes to the broader Florentine artistic landscape of the time.
Legacy
Though not extensively detailed here, the painting's presence in a notable institution like the Clark Art Institute suggests its recognition as a representative work of early 16th-century Florentine portraiture, offering insights into the artistic values of its time.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ridolfo di Domenico Bigordi, better known as Ridolfo Ghirlandaio (14 February 1483 – 6 June 1561) was an Italian Renaissance painter active mainly in Florence. He was the son of Domenico Ghirlandaio.
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