Lotto, Lorenzo (1480-1557)
Ritratto di un uomo barbuto (Portrait of a Bearded Man)
c.1540
Oil on canvas, 97.79 x 85.09 cm
New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans
The tight space between the blue curtain, cast shadow of the green wall and the picture’s frame are in tension with the hulking outline of this man’s cloak, his projected hand and improbably long nose. His wide collar adds to this imposing effect as does his large head and steely gaze. His mannered gesture is one of presentation and he holds a handkerchief of fine linen to signal gentility and status. (NOMA)