Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil, 1550
Portrait of a Man, by Jacopo Tintoretto, oil, 1550

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Created circa 1550, this oil on canvas portrait presents a bearded gentleman in a dark robe, his gaze meeting the viewer directly.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a man, identified by its main subject and genre as a portrait of a single male sitter.

The painting depicts a man, identified by its main subject and genre as a portrait of a single male sitter. Executed in 1550 by Jacopo Tintoretto, the work belongs to the tradition of mid-sixteenth-century Venetian portraiture, in which the sitter is typically presented as an individualized presence rather than through allegorical attributes.

Because the sources describe the work only in terms of its basic subject, a man, without identifying the sitter by name, profession, or social role, no further iconographic or symbolic reading can be grounded. The painting's meaning, within the available documentation, is restricted to its function as a portrait of an unnamed male figure, now held in the Rijksmuseum collection.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1550, this portrait by Jacopo Tintoretto is an oil painting on canvas. The work measures 63.5 cm in height and 57.5 cm in width. As a representative example of the artist's portraiture from this period, the piece utilizes oil paint applied to a fabric support to depict a male subject.

The classification remains consistent across records as a painted portrait, though specific details regarding the current condition of the surface, brushwork handling, or distinct stylistic maneuvers beyond the medium and support are not elaborated upon in the available documentation.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of a Man by Jacopo Tintoretto was created in 1550. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work measures 63.5 cm in height and 57.5 cm in width. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

While the specific commission details and early ownership history are not detailed in the provided records, the work is firmly dated to the mid-16th century by its creator.

Overview

Created circa 1550, this oil on canvas portrait presents a bearded gentleman in a dark robe, his gaze meeting the viewer directly. The composition is dominated by a muted background that heightens the solemn atmosphere, while the sitter’s neatly trimmed hair and well‑kept beard convey a sense of restrained dignity.

Lorenzo Soranzo
Lorenzo Soranzo, Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacopo Tintoretto

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian:; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Jacopo Tintoretto in 1550-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Mannerism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.