The artwork titled “Youth holding an Arrow,” created by Giorgione in 1505, exemplifies the High Renaissance art movement. This portrait, rendered on wood, measures 48 by 42 centimeters and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
The artwork depicts a young individual, gazing directly at the viewer with a profound expression. The youth is adorned in a red drapery that partially covers their chest and shoulder. Held gently in their right hand is an ornate arrow, its shaft ending in a delicately crafted feather. The background is dark, emphasizing the serene and contemplative demeanor of the subject, and drawing attention to the fine details and sublime execution characteristic of Giorgione’s style. The interplay of light and shadow, as well as the soft, yet meticulous brushwork, speaks to the refined aesthetic and technical prowess prevailing during the High Renaissance.