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Imitator of Raphael, 'Portrait of a Young Man', early 16th and late 19th century

About the work

In the past this painting was believed to be a portrait of Raphael as the sitter slightly resembles his self portrait in The School of Athens of 1509–11 (Vatican). It is not, however, by Raphael and is probably not a portrait of him either. It was previously described as Umbrian and possibly Bolognese. At one time it was also believed to be by Raphael’s associate, Timoteo Viti (1469–1523), who became court painter in Urbino after the death of Raphael’s father.

Technical examination suggests that the picture is an old one, but the face has been entirely repainted and the painting seems artificially aged. It was probably purchased at a high price by the collector George Salting as a self portrait by Raphael and it entered the National Gallery’s collection as part of the Salting Bequest in 1910.

Key facts

Full title
Portrait of a Young Man
Artist
Imitator of Raphael
Artist dates
1483 - 1520
Date made
early 16th and late 19th century
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
26.6 × 21.6 cm
Acquisition credit
Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number
NG2510
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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