Portrait of a Man

The identity of the sitter of this portrait is unknown. It is an early work by Ghirlandaio, and was probably painted at about the same time as a famous fresco cycle in the principal church of San Gimignano. The lively expression of the sitter explains why Ghirlandaio’s portraits were so admired. The bright green background is the result of a cleaning that removed a layer of oxidized pigment.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Portrait of a Man
  • Artist: Domenico Ghirlandaio (Domenico Bigordi) (Italian, Florence 1448/49–1494 Florence)
  • Medium: Tempera on wood
  • Dimensions: 21 1/2 x 17 1/2 in. (54.6 x 44.5 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.67
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

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