An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Francesco d'Este (born ca. 1429, died after 1486)Rogier van der Weyden
Netherlandish, Tournai ca. 1399–1464 Brussels
ca. 1460
Overall 12 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (31.8 x 22.2 cm): painted surface, each side 11 3/4 x 8 in. (29.8 x 20.3 cm)
Painting
Oil on wood
European Paintings
The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
The portrait of Francesco d'Este by Rogier van der Weyden captures a moment of quiet contemplation. The subject gazes directly at the viewer, his expression revealing deep thought and perhaps a hint of melancholy. The artist's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the softness of Francesco’s hair and the fine texture of his clothing, which suggests wealth and status.
In this work, van der Weyden employs a subtle yet powerful color palette that emphasizes the seriousness of the moment. The dark cloak contrasts with the vivid red lining, hinting at noble lineage and the complexities of his character. The tools he holds, a compass and a potential writing instrument, suggest that he is a man of intellect and achievement, perhaps engaged in matters of art or science.
Francesco’s gaze invites us to reflect on his inner world, prompting questions about his thoughts and ambitions. This stillness in the portrait evokes a sense of intimacy, allowing the viewer to connect on a personal level with the figure captured in time. The simplicity of the background ensures that our focus remains on Francesco, further enhancing the introspective quality of the piece.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.