Doge Leonardo Loredan: Details of a Masterpiece

Doge Leonardo Loredan, Giovanni Bellini, oil on poplar, Italy ca. 1501-1502, National Gallery, London. Giovanni Bellini, one of the many artistic minds of the Italian Renaissance, created multiple paintings which show off the detailing of individuals. One of these is Doge Leonardo Loredan, created between 1501 and 1502. As a Doge, he is the leader of the Venetian Republic, to which he was elected to in 1501. He continued to rule until he passed away twenty years later. In the portrait, he wears white, smooth robes which are woven with metal thread. This style of attire was saved for the most sacred occasions. The position in which Loredan appears to be sitting mocks the antiquity of marble busts. This is partially due to the cut-off of the arms and half-length projection. Bellini acknowledged the connectivity, proving his thought that he could pass the past standard of beauty levels in sculptural portraits. The way in which he altered and gently placed oil upon the canvas proved his strengths in painting. The blending of colors provided Bellini the opportunity to portray transitions of light and dark when painting human skin. The detailing shadows upon the face also appear partially to be covering a true emotion of some sort. This gives the viewer the belief that Loredan's portrait is extremely lifelike, while also appearing intimidating.