Portrait of a Gentleman

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

The sitter in this large portrait, shown here from the waist up, is likely a patrician from Venice. Prior to the middle of the 16th century, portraiture in Europe had traditionally been reserved for the nobility and was a sign of high status. By Tintoretto's time, however, tradesmen and artisans regularly commissioned paintings of themselves. Consequently, for the noble classes, a portrait's overall size—in addition to the depiction of a lavish costume and accessories—emerged as a way of announcing one's important status.

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