The artwork titled “Portrait of Bindo Altoviti” is the creation of the artist Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, a key figure in the Neoclassical movement. The portrait, which measures 56 by 43 centimeters, is a notable example of the genre, and it presently resides within the collection at the Musée Ingres in Montauban, France.
The artwork exhibits a young man portrayed in a three-quarter pose, gazing towards the viewer with a pensive expression. His attire suggests a form of Renaissance dress, characterized by the dark beret-style hat and draped clothing which emphasizes the both the texture of the fabric and the gentle fall of the folds. The subject’s hair is shoulder length and auburn, complimenting the soft tonal contrasts that give his face a sculptural quality. Light appears to play softly across the face, highlighting the youthful features and the thoughtful eyes, which are a central focus of the portrait, imbuing the subject with a sense of nobility and introspective elegance. The overall muted palette with emphasis on earth tones serves to enhance the timeless grace that is emblematic of Neoclassicism.