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Italian, 'Portrait of an Old Man', early 16th century

About the work

We do not know the identity of the man in this very damaged portrait. His clothes are typical of Venice and suggest a date in the early sixteenth century. He is shown three-quarter length, facing the left, his hand holding the stola (cloth sash) draped over his shoulder. His sleeve is lined with grey fur, and the only ornament is the delicate gold ring with a green stone on his finger.

The artist has meticulously recorded the lines and wrinkles of the man’s ageing face, with an attention to naturalistic detail that derives from Netherlandish portraiture. In the past the portrait has been attributed to Giovanni Bellini, Gentile Bellini, a follower of Gentile Bellini, Titian, Giorgione and Domenico Morone. However, it is too damaged to tell with certainty who painted it.

Key facts

Full title
Portrait of an Old Man
Artist
Italian
Date made
early 16th century
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
76.2 × 62.9 cm
Acquisition credit
Layard Bequest, 1916
Inventory number
NG3130
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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