portrait of Doge Leonardo Loredan by Giovanni Bellini Flashcards
What is the title of the painting, and who is the artist?
Title: Doge Leonardo Loredan
Artist: Giovanni Bellini
Date: c. 1501-2
Medium: Oil on poplar
Dimensions: 61.4 x 44.5 cm
Location: National Gallery, London
Who is the subject of the portrait, and when was it painted?
Subject: Doge Leonardo Loredan (1436-1521), the 75th Doge of Venice
Time of Commission: Painted soon after Loredan’s election as Doge in 1501 when he was 60-65 years old
Identification: Recognized due to his strong resemblance to portrait medals
Front: What role did the Doge play in Venetian society?
Political and Ceremonial Head of Venice: The Doge was the figurehead of the Venetian Republic, elected by a complex process from the noble class, specifically the patricians.
Hierarchy: The Doge was at the top of a triangular power structure, with the Council of the Ten and larger councils beneath him.
Elected by the Maggior Consiglio: The Doge was chosen from the patricians, and entry to this class was closed in 1297 by the Serrata.
hat did Doge Loredan wear in the portrait, and what were its symbolic meanings?
State Robes: The Doge wears ceremonial robes of gold silk damask, likely produced in Venice, symbolizing his status.
Corno: The distinctive “horned” hat made of silk and metal, unique to the Doge, symbolizing his rank.
Mantle: White silk damask brocaded with silver and gold thread, signifying prestige.
Campanoni d’Oro: Large buttons made of white silk with gold thread, representing his elite position.
How is Doge Loredan represented in the portrait?
Serene and Authoritative: Bellini portrays Loredan as a calm and powerful figure.
¾ View: Loredan is shown in a ¾ view, a more dynamic pose that attributes character to him.
Lighting: The face is lit in a way that creates a dual effect—one side looks severe, the other benevolent, symbolizing dual aspects of leadership.
Verism and Realism: High level of verisimilitude (true likeness) while focusing on idealized representation of Venice’s strength and stability.
Symbolism of Light: The lighting suggests the passage of time and the inevitability of night, aligning with Venice’s political decline.
Front: What Byzantine influences can be seen in Bellini’s portrait of the Doge? Back:
Plain Background: The use of a blue, plain background recalls the Byzantine iconographic tradition.
Blue Background: The use of blue, which is darkened at the top, gives the impression of the Doge rising towards heaven.
Golden Illumination: While Bellini used blue rather than gold, the glowing effect in the Doge’s robes evokes the Byzantine use of golden halos.
Connection to Venice: The blue, recalling the sea, ties Venice’s identity to its maritime nature.
How does Bellini’s signature and the cartellino elevate the status of the artist?
Cartellino: Bellini’s name is signed on a trompe l’oeil cartellino, giving the illusion of a piece of paper.
Elevation of the Artist’s Status: This detail reflects the Renaissance trend of elevating the status of artists, aligning Bellini with renowned classical artists like Apelles.
Competitiveness Among Artists: The trompe l’oeil can also be seen as a nod to the Renaissance competition among artists, as described by Pliny.
What historical and political context surrounds the creation of this portrait?
Political Tension: Painted at a time of heightened tension in Venice—maritime threats from the Turks and unrest in Venetian territories.
Serenissima Identity: The portrait reflects Venice’s identity as La Serenissima—a republic known for its stability and political order.
Political Unrest: Venice faced political isolation, particularly following the excommunication of the republic in 1503 and the formation of the League of Cambrai against Venice (1508-1510).
ow does Bellini incorporate classical references in the portrait of Doge Loredan?
Classical Portrait Busts: The ¾ view of the Doge recalls the format of ancient Roman portrait busts.
Humanist Influence: Bellini’s portrayal reflects a Renaissance interest in Roman verism (true likeness).
Bellini’s Classical Knowledge: Surrounded by collectors of Greek antiquities, Bellini would have been familiar with ancient sculpture, further enriching his artistic approach.
Pliny’s Influence: Bellini was compared to ancient artists like Apelles, renowned for their lifelike portraiture, influencing his approach to realism.
How does Bellini’s use of materials and techniques contribute to the portrait’s effect?
Oil Painting Mastery: Bellini’s use of oil paint, influenced by Antonello da Messina, allows him to achieve remarkable detail and texture.
Fabric Representation: Bellini captures the texture of silk and brocade, emphasizing light and shadow to create a realistic effect.
Shimmering Brocade: He uses short, thick brushstrokes to depict the shimmering effect of gold thread, without actually using gold paint.
Textural Detail: The rough texture of the fabric is rendered through blotting techniques, enhancing the sculptural realism of the portrait.
What was the intended function of the portrait, and how was it received?
Official Commission: The portrait was likely commissioned as part of the tradition of Doge portraits displayed in the Doge’s Palace.
Public Display: Intended to project the political stability and majesty of the Doge, reflecting Venice’s serene identity.
Artistic Innovation: Bellini’s portrayal was a break from previous Doge portraits, offering a more individualized and dynamic representation.
Post-Napoleonic History: The painting was looted by Napoleon and later sold in 1807 to William Thomas Beckford.
How does humanism and the system of patronage influence the portrait of Doge Loredan?
Humanist Influence: The interest in realism, classical references, and individual likeness reflects the humanist focus on the human form and intellectual inquiry.
Patronage System: As a state artist, Bellini’s work was commissioned by the Venetian republic, and this form of public patronage meant the portrait served not only as a personal likeness but as a political statement.
Artistic Independence: Bellini’s innovative techniques, such as his mastery of oil paint and attention to texture, reflect the increasing independence of artists during the Renaissance, especially in Venice.
what is significant about Leonardo Loredan’s background before becoming Doge?
A: Before becoming Doge, Loredan had a distinguished political career, starting as a lawyer and moving on to positions such as the ‘Podesta’ of Padua, which gave him governing power in a Venetian city. He was also the Procurator of St Mark’s, a prestigious position that increased his political influence.
How does Bellini use verism in the portrait of Doge Loredan?
A: Bellini’s portrait displays an extraordinary sense of verisimilitude (true likeness), with highly detailed facial features and textures, particularly in the robes. The painting captures the physical reality of Loredan’s aged features, enhancing his appearance of wisdom and experience while maintaining a dignified portrayal.
How does Bellini use light in the portrait of Doge Loredan to symbolize time and mortality?
A: The lighting in the portrait is striking, with one side of Loredan’s face illuminated and the other in shadow. This contrast may symbolize the passage of time, hinting at the inevitability of death, as the light resembles the setting sun, echoing themes of life’s fleeting nature.
