On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00299
- Author
- Raphael
- Title
- The Cardinal
- Chronology
- Ca. 1510
- Technique
- Oil
- Support
- Wooden Panel
- Measures
- 79 cm x 61 cm
- School
- Italian
- Theme
- Portrait. Ecclesiastical
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- RoyalCollection
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
A portrait of a Cardinal that has
been identified as either Alidosi,
Bibbiena, Cybo or Trivulzio.
This work was painted in Rome at a
time when Rafael was at the height
of his capacity to “paint people as
more real than they really are,” as
his peers put it.
The composition is derived from
Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. In
both works, the model appears
seated, forming a triangle with his
or her body and arm. Especially
surprising here are the chromatic
contrasts between the brilliant red
of his hat, the whiteness of his
sleeve, and his face, thanks to the
use of highlights. This
characteristic and the meticulous
brushstrokes give the sitter a
three-dimensional character that
reveals Rapahel’s interest in
sculpture during those years.
This work was acquired by Carlos IV
(1748-1819) in Rome while he was
still a prince.
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