Portrait of a Young Man

The unknown artist focused on this young man's steady gaze, full mouth, and loose, curling hair. Though showing off his fashionable but not extravagant clothing, the portrait emphasizes character and personality rather than wealth. The artist combined very fine hatching with stumping on the face and hat to create a smoothly modeled appearance. He also took great care with the sitter's hair and the fabric of his hat, building each with numerous fine lines and shading. In contrast, he loosely sketched the topcoat with a few quick, broad strokes. He probably intended this drawing as a finished work of art rather than a preparatory sketch.

Men and women dressed for warmth in the poorly heated interiors of the 1500s. This young Swiss man wears a hat, as well as several layers of clothing under his jacket. Hats were kept on indoors as well as out and usually took the form of a soft, low bonnet such as this one. Small ribbons and decorative slashes in various places decorate the brim, as was the fashion, allowing it to be turned down in various places.