Portrait of young man 

This “Portrait of a Young Man” was painted in the early 16th century by Giorgione, using oil on canvas. The way Giorgione used oil paint – so thinly, allowing light to permeate the layers – gives the painting an extraordinary luminosity. You can sense him building up the image, glazing layer after layer. This wasn't just a technique, but a sensibility. It spoke of the kind of control wealthy patrons expected, and also the exquisite luxury that Venice traded in. Look at the soft edges, the blurring between light and shadow; the painting seems almost to breathe. The work involved in grinding pigments, preparing the canvas, and then patiently layering the paint was a significant investment, reflecting the sitter’s status, and the artist’s skill. The painting’s beauty lies in the intimate knowledge Giorgione has of his materials and his mastery of process. His work encourages us to look beyond the image, and to appreciate the labor and materials that underpin our cultural treasures.