An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Alvise Contarini(?); (verso) A Tethered RoebuckJacometto (Jacometto Veneziano)
Italian, active Venice by ca. 1472–died before 1498
ca. 1485–95
Overall 4 5/8 x 3 3/8 in. ; recto, painted surface 4 1/8 x 3 1/8 in.; verso, painted surface 4 3/8 x 3 1/8 in.
Painting
Oil on wood; verso: oil and gold on wood
Robert Lehman Collection
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
The artwork titled "Portrait of Alvise Contarini?" by Jacometto Veneziano captures a moment of quiet reflection. The subject, likely a Venetian noble, stands against a serene blue sky, his expression thoughtful and perhaps slightly aloof.
Jacometto's use of color is striking; the deep blacks of the figure's attire contrast beautifully with the soft blues and occasional greens of the background. This color choice not only emphasizes the subject's importance but also pulls the viewer into a tranquil scene. The puffy clouds hint at a gentle breeze, reminding us of the peacefulness of Venice’s landscapes.
On the reverse side, the image of a tethered roebuck adds another layer. This detail suggests themes of restraint and control, perhaps mirroring the noble's own position in society. He is both part of the natural world and distinctly separate from it, a quiet observer of the happenings around him.
Together, these elements create a captivating narrative of introspection, evoking contemplation about identity and place within a vibrant yet complex society. The painting invites us to ponder not just who Alvise Contarini may have been, but also the tranquil yet turbulent world he inhabited.
About the artist
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