3-039-418 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Portrait of a Bearded Man, about 1550. Additional Info: A melancholy, middle-aged man with a florid complexion, a long beard, and large, watery eyes looks to one side, his gaze attentive and seemingly intrigued. Diffused light gracefully illuminates the sitter’s distinctive features, while his delicate pink flesh tones are offset against the minimalist green background. His head inclines to the right as though he is listening to or observing someone outside the picture frame, his mouth partly open, as if ready to speak. The unknown man's slightly protuberant eyes communicate an emotional state that provokes a sympathetic response from the viewer.