Portrait of a Gentleman 1555

Jacopo Tintoretto painted this portrait of a gentleman in Venice, most likely in the second half of the 16th century. The man's dark clothes, beard and serious expression suggest his affiliation with the Venetian ruling class. Venice was, at the time, an independent republic ruled by a patrician class of merchants and aristocrats. For centuries, Venice dominated trade between Europe and the East. Paintings like this one affirmed the authority of the men who ran the city. The dark palette evokes the somber environment of the Venetian governing councils. The man's assured gaze speaks to his status. Historical research into Venetian archives could help us to identify the sitter and understand his role in the political and economic life of the city. Looking closely at paintings like this helps us understand the individuals and institutions that shaped Venice's unique culture.