Portrait of a Young Man 1492 - 1510

Giorgione painted this Portrait of a Young Man in the early 1500s, using oil on canvas. This was a relatively new medium at the time, its capacity for capturing subtle variations of light and shadow was highly prized. The artist skillfully layers thin glazes of paint to build up the figure's form, a time-consuming process rooted in the traditions of craft guilds. The smooth surface belies the labor involved in grinding pigments, mixing paints, and applying them layer upon layer. The use of oil paint allowed for meticulous detail and a sense of depth, enhancing the lifelike quality of the portrait. Consider the social context: portraiture was becoming increasingly popular among the rising merchant class, a reflection of their growing wealth and status. By mastering these material techniques, Giorgione elevated painting to the level of high art, on a par with poetry and literature. In doing so, he gave material form to a new social order.