Italian school, 18th century.

Italian school, 18th century.
‘Portrait of a gentleman.
Oil on canvas.
Re-coloured.
It presents faults and repainting.
Measurements: 95 x 72 cm; 105 x 86 x 5 cm.

Male portrait of an austere personage, dressed in rigorous black, except for the collar of the white shirt. He probably represents an intellectual and religious man from the 15th century. The year 1413 is written in Roman letters under the Latin name ‘Jerome’. The pen and inkwell identify him as a writer or scholar. The heraldic elements of the coat of arms are also intended to identify him. The painter wished to emphasise the spiritual purity of the sitter by placing him in a dark room and wearing clothing that alludes to an austere, Spartan life. His features are rendered with a naturalistic intent.