Portrait of a 22 Year Old Young Man (Percivalle Riario) Vicino da Ferrara (Baldassare d’Este) (1432-1509)

The portrait presents a young man in profile, viewed from the left. He is depicted against a dark, almost entirely black background that isolates him and directs attention solely towards his figure. The composition is stark; there are no distracting elements beyond the subject himself.
Here we see a man of apparent status, indicated by the elaborate red velvet cap which sits squarely upon his head. Its shape suggests a ceremonial or official role rather than casual attire. Beneath the cap, dark hair falls to his shoulders, framing a face characterized by a strong jawline and a slightly aquiline nose. The artist has rendered the skin with meticulous attention to detail, capturing subtle variations in tone that suggest both youthfulness and an underlying seriousness.
The man’s clothing further reinforces notions of privilege. A dark garment is visible beneath a red collar trimmed with a delicate gold chain. This ornamentation speaks to wealth and position within a hierarchical society. The rendering of the fabric demonstrates technical skill, conveying texture and depth through subtle gradations of color.
His gaze is directed forward, seemingly into the distance. It conveys an impression of introspection or perhaps quiet determination. The profile view itself is significant; it was a favored convention in Renaissance portraiture for conveying dignity and nobility.
Subtleties within the painting suggest more than just a straightforward representation. The darkness surrounding the figure creates a sense of mystery, hinting at complexities beyond what is immediately visible. The man’s expression, while composed, does not convey overt joy or exuberance; instead, theres an underlying gravity that invites speculation about his character and circumstances. The deliberate use of color – the vibrant red against the somber background – draws attention to the subject’s status and perhaps alludes to themes of power and authority. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of restrained elegance and understated importance, portraying a man who is both physically striking and intellectually engaged.