The artwork, titled “Portrait of Tommaso Portinari,” was created by Hans Memling around the year 1470. Crafted using oil on wood, it belongs to the Northern Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of this portrait are 44 by 34 centimeters, and it is part of the “Portinari Triptych” series. This portrait genre artwork is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, United States.
In this portrait, the subject is depicted with a somber expression, his hands clasped in prayer, reflecting a pious demeanor. Dressed in dark, modest attire typical of the period, the subject’s finely detailed facial features and serene countenance are rendered with exquisite realism. The background is dark and plain, drawing the viewer’s attention to the delicate play of light and shadow on the subject’s face and hands, a hallmark of the Northern Renaissance style. The artist’s meticulous attention to detail and subtle use of color illustrate his mastery in portraiture, capturing both the physical likeness and the inner character of the individual.
