Sebastiano del Piombo (Italian, Venice (?) 1485/86–1547 Rome) – Portrait of a Man, Said to be Christopher Columbus (born about 1446, died 1506) Metropolitan Museum: part 4

Here we observe a half-length portrait of a man presented against a dark, undefined background. The subject is positioned centrally within the frame and gazes directly at the viewer with a solemn expression. His features are rendered with meticulous detail; the artist has captured the subtle nuances of his skin tone, from the pallor of his forehead to the slight redness around his nose. A prominent brow ridge and deeply set eyes contribute to an overall impression of seriousness and perhaps even weariness.
The man is clad in a dark, voluminous garment – likely velvet or a similar heavy fabric – that drapes across his shoulders and chest. The texture of the material is convincingly portrayed through careful brushwork, creating a sense of depth and weight. A white linen collar peeks out from beneath the outer layer, providing a subtle contrast to the somber tones of the clothing. He wears a dark cap with a wide brim, which casts shadows across his face, further emphasizing its contours.
His left hand is positioned near his chest, fingers slightly parted as if in a gesture of either explanation or restraint. The artist has paid particular attention to rendering the details of his hands – the veins visible on the back of his hand and the texture of his fingernails are all meticulously depicted. This focus on anatomical accuracy lends a sense of realism to the portrayal.
Inscribed above the subjects head is an inscription in Latin, which adds another layer of meaning to the work. The script appears formal and deliberate, suggesting a desire for posterity or official recognition.
The overall effect of the portrait is one of quiet dignity and introspection. While the man’s direct gaze establishes a connection with the viewer, his expression remains enigmatic, hinting at a complex inner life. The dark palette and somber mood contribute to an atmosphere of gravity and seriousness, suggesting that this is not merely a likeness but also a representation of character or status. The meticulous rendering of details – the fabric, the hands, the face – suggests a desire for permanence and a careful consideration of how the subject would be perceived by future generations.