| The Princely Collections hold an outstanding Florentine Renaissance portrait in the form of the "Portrait of a Man" by Francesco di Cristofano, called Franciabigio. This portrait, dated “1517” on a cartellino, shows an elegantly dressed gentleman. As the subject is not posing in front of a landscape – which is otherwise usual for Franciabigio – but presented in front of a unified, non-descript background, all attention is concentrated on his face. The impressive features convey an essentially melancholy mood that is seemingly intensified by the dark beard and black garb. Thrust into close proximity to the viewer through its narrow focus, the portrait becomes a psychological study of the sitter. All Franciabigio’s portraits are characterized by this sombre tone, yet the sitter’s melancholy, slightly lost look also conveys the impression that he is observing his own psychological processes, something we find regularly in Franciabigio’s work. The subject’s powerfully expressive face is combined with detailed treatment of his facial features to create a work of rare individuality. |
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