My favorite guys in D.C. (Favorites from Washington’s National Gallery, 16)

Here’s another handful of portraits I find irresistible. (See also my post on portraits of women at the National Gallery.)

Bellini, Portrait of a Condottiere (Giovanni Emo)

My favorite Bellini is the St. Francis at the Frick, but I’m quite fond of this guy, too. Years ago I discussed him in detail at a lecture in D.C., sponsored by Lyceum. (Thanks, Yaron & Pam!)

Oy, look at those textures: you can imagine exactly how that robe would feel under your fingers. But that fuzzy yellowish cast doesn’t look right for Bellini. Somebody needs to give the Condottiere a cleaning.

Attributed to Giovanni Bellini (Venetian, c. 1430/1435 - 1516 ), Giovanni Emo, c. 1475/1480, oil on panel transferred to canvas mounted on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Samuel H. Kress Collection 1939.1.224. Photo: National Gallery
Attributed to Giovanni Bellini (Venetian, c. 1430/1435 – 1516 ), Giovanni Emo, c. 1475/1480, oil on panel transferred to canvas mounted on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Samuel H. Kress Collection 1939.1.224. Photo: National Gallery

And what will your payment terms be?

We have met in passing several times, but I wish I’d bought at least a postcard, so I could get to know this proto-capitalist better.

Jan Gossaert (Netherlandish, c. 1478 - 1532 ), Portrait of a Merchant, c. 1530, oil on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund. Photo: National Gallery
Jan Gossaert (Netherlandish, c. 1478 – 1532 ), Portrait of a Merchant, c. 1530, oil on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund. Photo: National Gallery

King of England by age 9

Son of Henry VIII and Jane Seymour, Edward VI ruled from 1547 until his death in 1553, at age 15. A short life, but an exceedingly well-dressed one. Holbein painted him at about age two.

Hans Holbein the Younger (German, 1497/1498 - 1543 ), Edward VI as a Child, probably 1538, oil on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Andrew W. Mellon Collection. Photo: National Gallery
Hans Holbein the Younger (German, 1497/1498 – 1543 ), Edward VI as a Child, probably 1538, oil on panel. Washington, National Gallery, Andrew W. Mellon Collection. Photo: National Gallery

What’s on his mind?

Titian could do psychological studies as well as brilliant colors.

Titian (Italian, c. 1490 - 1576 ), Ranuccio Farnese, 1542, oil on canvas. Washington, National Gallery, Samuel H. Kress Collection. Photo: National Gallery
Titian (Italian, c. 1490 – 1576 ), Ranuccio Farnese, 1542, oil on canvas. Washington, National Gallery, Samuel H. Kress Collection. Photo: National Gallery

I still love you, anyway

This used to be catalogued as a self-portrait by Bernini. The National Gallery’s site now says it’s a “portrait of a young man.” I still love this, even if it doesn’t portray one of the most brilliant innovators in the history of sculpture.

I can get lost in looking at a good drawing: the different strokes for hair, eyebrows, nose highlights, jawline, lace, doublet.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italian, 1598 - 1680 ), Portrait of a Young Man, c. 1615, black and red chalk heightened with white chalk. Washington, National Gallery, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund. Photo: National Gallery
Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Italian, 1598 – 1680 ), Portrait of a Young Man, c. 1615, black and red chalk heightened with white chalk. Washington, National Gallery, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund. Photo: National Gallery

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