portrait of doge loredeen Flashcards
artist
Bellini
subject
doge loredan, 75th doge of Venice
-painted soon after loredans election as doge in 1501
colthes and symbolism
state robes: ceremonial robes of silk gold damask (status)
corno: horned hat made of silk and metal (emphasises his role)
mantle: white silk damask with silber and gold thread
campanoni d’oro: large buttons that emphasise elite position
how is the doge presented
-serene: referes to venice as la serramissime
-3/4 view: shows tonal modelling
-realism: high level of true likeness
byzantine influence
plain blue background: recalls byzantine iconography
golden illumination: evokes byzantine halos
significance of belinis signature
-bellinis name is signed on a cartinello, giving illusion of peice of paper for realism
symbolism of light
represents passage of time and inevitability of night, aligning with venice’s political decline
-alludes to artist
use of blue of background
-recalls sea (civic pride)
-gives impression of doge rising to heaven as blue darkens at the to
humanism
-realism
-portrayal of emotion
-reference to classical busts throgh 3/4 pose
venice tensions
Painted at a time of heightened tension in Venice—maritime threats from the Turks and unrest in Venetian territories.
classical features
Classical Portrait Busts: The ¾ view of the Doge recalls the format of ancient Roman portrait busts
materials
oil paint allowed him to achieve realism
how is realism achieved
-through oil paint
-seen in texture on silk
-short thick brushtrokes for shimmering thread
-The painting captures the physical reality of Loredan’s aged features,
word for true likeness
verism
commission
Bellini’s work was commissioned by the Venetian republic,
meant the portrait served not only as a personal likeness but as a political statement.
