Portrait Of Baldassare Castiglione

Circle of Raphael (1483-1520)
Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione

Oil on canvas (relined), 77 x 63 cm (30.3 x 24.8 in) (oval)

Italian hand-carved frame, probably from the 17th century

Provenance:
Private collection

This portrait, attributed to the circle of Raphael, likely depicts Baldassare Castiglione, a prominent Italian courtier, diplomat, and author of the Renaissance. Castiglione is best known for his work "The Book of the Courtier" and was a close friend of Raphael, whose famous portrait of him is one of the most admired masterpieces of Renaissance art. Although this piece is not directly attributed to the master himself, it undeniably shows Raphael's stylistic influence.

The work is executed in oil on canvas, a common technique of the time, and has been carefully relined, indicating efforts to preserve this historical piece. The oval format of the painting and the Italian hand-carved frame, likely from the 17th century, add a touch of elegance and authenticity to the ensemble.
Portraits from Raphael's circle are distinguished by their finesse and the psychological depth of the subjects depicted. Here, the figure is captured in an expression of serenity and contemplation, typical of the humanist ideal of the Renaissance. The dark palette and subtle play of light highlight the face and clothing, emphasizing the details with great delicacy.

In the early 16th century, Raphael and his contemporaries revolutionized painting by integrating advanced perspective techniques and unparalleled mastery of texture rendering. This work reflects that artistic heritage, marking the pinnacle of Italian Renaissance portraiture.

This portrait, by its execution and subject, is a valuable testimony to the time of Raphael and his influence on his students and collaborators. The piece is not only a tribute to the friendship and mutual respect between the artist and his model but also a reflection of the cultural and artistic rise of the Italian Renaissance.