Italian school of the 19th century

Italian school of the 19th century.
"Portrait of Christopher Columbus".
Oil on panel.
The frame is damaged.
Measurements: 51 cm; 69 cm (frame diameter).

Throughout history, many artists have painted portraits or other thematic compositions in which Christopher Columbus appears, although there is no work that accurately reflects the image of the navigator. Examples of such portraits are the one made in 1519 by Sebastiano del Piombo or by Ridolfo Guirlandaio in 1920. On this occasion the sitter is presented as a middle-aged man, with incipient gray hair. His face denotes seriousness as well as great solemnity. He is dressed entirely in black, showing a kind of cloak and a hood characteristic of the period. In the part of the neck, the shirt can be glimpsed, perceptible only by a thin white line that breaks with the darkness of the clothing. The background of the portrait is totally neutral, in brownish tones, thus highlighting the image of the gentleman. The author makes a detailed psychological study of Christopher Columbus, while executing a meticulous drawing. He applies black and brown colors, highlighting the treatment of the flesh tones.