The author has a very simple composition, but he vividly demonstrates the skill of his author. In fact, the viewer sees a part of the artist’s figure, and this image is not replete with elements. But those few details that are present in the picture are written very brightly, vividly and naturally. For example, a face - perhaps the most difficult element when writing a self-portrait - it looks very natural, proportions are observed, and transitions from light to shadow are carefully worked out. It is noticeable even a slightly anemic skin tone, slightly more pink in the nose area. And even the look, the author managed not only to correctly convey the anatomy of the face, but also to catch a certain expression and bring it to the viewer. It feels some anxiety, maybe a fear of criticism, and this gives the image some vulnerability, which is often inherent in creative personalities. Thus, the author managed to open up to the viewer, to present himself as he is, and to capture himself skillfully. The same applies to the writing of clothing items - he carefully depicted various textures, and his outfit looks quite luxurious, although it is not replete with patterns or decorative elements. Very interesting canvas, simple at first glance, but attracting, fascinating and memorable.
Perhaps it is quite typical portrait image for painting in the 16th century. It is like an illustration to a historical book or a fairy tale, because it does not look quite natural. There is a certain disproportion in the figure of the hero, some exaggeration of the features of the silhouette in general and of the facial features in particular. Writing a face the artist slightly weighed down his lower part (chin) and overdid with the contrast of light and shadow. Because of this, the face looks unnatural, a little caricature. And in the composition as a whole, still there is no that subtlety and grace in the transfer of textures, glare, as by the later masters. The portrait looks a bit flat, but it gives it a certain charm, a touch of antiquity, of the Middle Ages.
A portrait of a scientist who very expressively shows a man’s personality. The author portrayed his hero immersed in thought, he bent over the paper with a certain pattern and stares at it. This person is completely detached from the outside world, he is trying to solve a certain riddle, to discover something important, to invent something new. On the table in front of him are only the items that are necessary for his work, he is completely given to her. And the artistic image of a scientist seems to be immersed in the dark background of the composition, just as he is immersed in his research. His figure appears out of this darkness, exposing his face and hands to the light. Probably, artist wanted to highlight them, focus on them attention. He created a portrait, represented not by a figure of a certain person, but by a cumulative image of his hero and things that are an important part of his life - documents, books, a globe.
A picturesque portrait filled with details, but at the same time it does not look tastelessly motley. The canvas depicts a duke in military armor, and it occupies most of the composition. The artist masterfully and carefully traced its smallest elements, the armor is very richly decorated, and there are really plenty of these small details. Due to this, the composition is filled with diverse textures, patterns, reliefs. But the palette is rather restrained and the only bright spot in the canvas is a red ribbon worn over the armor. In general, the picture looks luxurious, rich, but noble and aristocratic. The duke's figure is skillfully written - it is quite proportional, and the pose is natural.
An interesting example of a 16th century portrait. Imperfections in the technique of depicting a person are clearly noticeable, the written image is still far from realistic, almost photographic, later examples. The depicted figure is disproportionate, but the face of the hero is written quite accurately and naturally. Perhaps, for that time, the face is depicted even very well, its relief is natural, detailed. The author drew a light stubble, barely noticeable lip contour, slightly lowered eyelids. All the features are dull, light, but the artist has carefully captured them, so they look natural and create a harmonious image. The shape of the picture, its frame in the form of an arch is interesting too. Thanks to this technique, it seems that the hero of the portrait looks at the viewer from the window.
