Tiziano (c.1488-1576)
Ludovico Ariosto (?) (Potrait of a Man)
c.1508–1510
Oil on canvas, 58.72 x 46.02 cm
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Indianapolis
This portrait is striking in its frank engagement with the viewer. The unknown sitter gazes confidently outward. The fine rendering of his face contrasts with that of the painterly brush strokes describing draped velvet, luxurious fur, and soft hair. This fluent manipulation of color was a key feature of Venetian painting that was championed by Titian. He would later become one of the region’s leading artists and famous among the kings and princes of Europe.
And certainly coloring is so important and compelling that, when the painter produces a good imitation of the tones and softness of flesh, and the rightful characteristics of any object there may be, he makes his paintings seem alive. —Lodovico Dolce (IMA)
Compare:
Tiziano (c.1488-1576)
Ludovico Ariosto (?)
c.1510
National Gallery, London
See also:
• Ariosto, Ludovico (1474-1533)