Portrait of doge leonardo loredan Flashcards
(22 cards)
artist
Giovanni Bellini
Medium
oil on poplar
Date
1501-02
Who is the subject of the portrait, and when was it painted?
Doge Leonardo Loredan, 75th doge of Venice
Time of Commission: Painted soon after Loredan’s election as Doge in 1501 when he was 60-65 years old
how is this work identified as doge loredan
Identification: Recognized due to his strong resemblance to portrait medals
What role did the Doge play in Venetian society?
-political and ceremonial head of venice
-top of the triangular power structyre
commission
-commissioned by the state of venice afted his election as 75th doge of venice in 1501
what clothing does he wear
State Robes: The Doge wears ceremonial robes of gold silk damask, likely produced in Venice, symbolizing his status.
Corno: The distinctive “horned” hat made of silk and metal, unique to the Doge, symbolizing his rank.
Mantle: White silk damask brocaded with silver and gold thread, signifying prestige.
Campanoni d’Oro: Large buttons, rich muted gold representing his elite position.
doge expression
*Expression: inborn sense of serenity, authority and power. Features are immobile, but every part of his face seems to express the potential for change (lips are about to smile, eyes about to move around).
How is Doge Loredan represented in the portrait?
EXPRESSION
-serene and contemolative expression (calm powerful figure enjoying la Serenissima)
LIGHTING
-face lit in a way that creates a dual effect (one side severe, the other soft), Shows dual aspects of leadership
Symbolism of Light: The lighting suggests the passage of time and the inevitability of night, aligning with Venice’s political decline.
VERISM/REALISM
-hugh level of verisimilitude (fine lines and wrinkles)
What Byzantine influences can be seen in Bellini’s portrait of the Doge?
Plain Background: The use of a blue, plain background recalls the Byzantine iconographic tradition.
Blue Background: The use of blue, which is darkened at the top, gives the impression of the Doge rising towards heaven.
Golden Illumination: While Bellini used blue rather than gold, the glowing effect in the Doge’s robes evokes the Byzantine use of golden halos.
HOW IS CIVIC PRIDE SHOWN
Connection to Venice: The blue, recalling the sea, ties Venice’s identity to its maritime nature.
expression is serene, exemplifies venice identity of la Serenissima
How does Bellini’s signature and the cartellino elevate the status of the artist?
Cartellino: Bellini’s name is signed on a trompe l’oeil cartellino, giving the illusion of a piece of paper.
Elevation of the Artist’s Status: This detail reflects the Renaissance trend of elevating the status of artists, aligning Bellini with renowned classical artists like Apelles.
Competitiveness Among Artists: The trompe l’oeil can also be seen as a nod to the Renaissance competition among artists
What historical and political context surrounds the creation of this portrait?
Political Tension: Painted at a time of heightened tension in Venice—maritime threats from the Turks and unrest in Venetian territories in the terrafirma (mainland). .
Serenissima Identity: The portrait reflects Venice’s identity as La Serenissima—a republic known for its stability and political order.
Political Unrest: Venice faced political isolation, particularly following the excommunication of the republic in 1503
classical references
Classical Portrait Busts: The ¾ view of the Doge recalls the format of ancient Roman portrait busts.
Pliny’s Influence: Bellini was compared to ancient artists like Apelles, renowned for their lifelike portraiture
How does Bellini’s use of materials and techniques contribute to the portrait’s effect
Oil Painting Mastery: Bellini’s use of oil paint, allows him to achieve remarkable texture and detail
Fabric Representation: Bellini captures the texture of silk and brocade, emphasizing light and shadow to create a realistic effect.
Shimmering Brocade: He uses short, thick brushstrokes to depict the shimmering effect of gold thread, without actually using gold paint
*If you look closely it looks as though each individual thread has been painted by Bellini
Textural Detail: The rough texture of the fabric is rendered through blotting techniques, enhancing the sculptural realism of the portrait.
How does Bellini use verism in the portrait of Doge Loredan?
extraordinary sense of verisimilitude (true likeness), with highly detailed facial features and textures, particularly in the robes. The painting captures the physical reality of Loredan’s aged features, enhancing his appearance of wisdom and experience while maintaining a dignified portrayal.
achieved through oil paint
How does Bellini use light in the portrait of Doge Loredan to symbolize time and mortality
ne side of Loredan’s face illuminated and the other in shadow. This contrast may symbolize the passage of time, hinting at the inevitability of death, as the light resembles the setting sun, echoing themes of life’s fleeting nature.
WHAT WAS THE INTENDED FUNCTION OF THIS WORK
Official Commission: The portrait was likely commissioned as part of the tradition of Doge portraits displayed in the Doge’s Palace.
Public Display: Intended to project the political stability and majesty of the Doge, reflecting Venice’s serene identity.
where was this work displayed
Portraits would be represented in a frieze in the Sala del Maggior Consiglio in the Doge’s Palace as a means of demonstrating the unbroken succession of the Doge’s office.
influence of humanism
CLASSICAL REFERENCES
-relism, influenced by Pliny
-classical 3/4 portrait busts
REALSIM/ VERISM
-focus on anatomy and expression
ELEVATION OF STATUS OF THE ARTIST
-tompe lo’eil cartellino shows increasing importance of the artist in renaissance
place on grid
Portraits (2D or 3D), Doge Loredan
