Portrait of an Old Man

Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, son of the great fresco painter Domenico Ghirlandaio and a respected portraitist in his own right, painted this characterful study around 1520. Active in Florence during a period of political upheaval, Ridolfo was known for his dignified portraits of civic figures and clergy. The painting entered the Hermitage collection in Saint Petersburg, where it represents the Florentine portrait tradition at the transition from High Renaissance to early Mannerism.

The portrait demonstrates Ridolfo's direct, naturalistic approach to characterization, with firm drawing and restrained color. The sitter's lined features are rendered with close observation, using layered glazes to build subtle tonal depth.