The artwork “Portrait of Francesco Maria della Rovere” is credited to the artist known as Giorgione and is believed to have been created in the year 1502. This particular piece is rendered on canvas and is a representative work of the High Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of the portrait are 73 by 64 centimeters. As its genre suggests, it depicts a portrait, specifically that of Francesco Maria della Rovere. Presently, the artwork holds a place of distinction in the Kunsthistorisches Museum located in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork portrays a young man of delicately rendered features, holding a helmet adorned with intricate metalwork. The subject stands formally posed, demonstrating a reflective and subtle countenance. The individual’s attire is of the era, accentuating his status, with a red cape draped casually over one shoulder, contrasting with the rich black fabric of his sleeve, vividly decorated with a white embellishment that elegantly matches his crisp undergarment. The masterful use of color and light by Giorgione enhances the texture of the materials and the lifelike representation of the subject’s flesh. The reserved palette emphasizes the subject’s youth and the introspective quality of his gaze. The background is muted and sparse, ensuring that the focus remains unwaveringly on the figure and his impressive helm. Overall, the harmonious composition and profound character study are typical of the High Renaissance period, during which artists aspired to capture both physical appearance and psychological depth within their portraiture.