Although the setting of this portrait of a Venetian gentleman is spare and simple, it tells us a great deal about the individual pictured. Clearly, he is a man of some wealth: his clothing--a shoulder-length wig, black velvet jacket, and shirt with lace-trimmed sleeves--appears expensive, as does the high-backed chair, which is gilded and upholstered in red velvet. The book he holds, along with the inkwell and pens on the desk, indicate that he is educated. Relaxed and surrounded by comforts, he meets the viewer's gaze with a look of solemn self-assurance.

Acquired by the Samuel H. Kress Collection (K1265) in 1941. Donated by the Kress Foundation to Pomona College in 1961.

A box of Xrays of the Kress Collection is on Shelf G in the Vault (6/5/2018).

Sarah Allen and Julia Patzelt, Beyond Appearance: Constructing Likeness (Claremont: Pomona College Museum of Art, 2003), 13-14 (illustrated/ color).

This object has the following keywords:

• Kress
• Male Portraits

• Sight Dimensions: 34 11/16 x 27 1/16 in. (88.11 x 68.74 cm) Measured by Hudson, Karen
• Frame Dimensions: 44 1/8 x 36 3/4 in. (112.08 x 93.35 cm) Measured by Hudson, Karen

This object has the following bibliographic references:

• Beyond Appearance: Constructing Likeness. Beyond Appearance: Constructing Likeness Pomona College Museum of Art. Claremont, CA, 2003
  Page Number: 13-14

This object is a member of the following portfolios: