Portrait of a Gentleman (Lotto)
Portrait of a Gentleman (Lotto) is a painting attributed to the Venetian Renaissance painter Lorenzo Lotto. The subject's identity remains unknown, although art historians have proposed several possible figures based on details within the painting and contemporary records. The work is typically dated to the late 1520s or early 1530s, a period when Lotto was active in Bergamo.
The painting is a half-length portrait, depicting a man dressed in the fashion of the time. Details such as the sitter's clothing, hairstyle, and expression have been used to speculate about his social standing and possible profession. The painting's composition and Lotto's characteristic use of light and color contribute to its aesthetic significance.
The work is held in a major museum collection. Its provenance, or history of ownership, has been traced through various collections over the centuries. The attribution to Lotto is generally accepted by art historians, although some scholarly debate continues regarding the exact dating and the sitter's identity. Critical analysis of the portrait often focuses on Lotto's ability to convey a sense of psychological depth and individuality in his subjects. The painting is considered a significant example of Renaissance portraiture and an important work within Lotto's oeuvre.