Francesco Sforza, count of Pavia? 1498

Editor: Here we have what’s believed to be a portrait of Francesco Sforza, count of Pavia, painted in 1498 by Giovanni Antonio Boltraffio. The young man almost appears like a cherub, don't you think? What's your take on it? Curator: Absolutely, there's a certain delicate innocence radiating from the portrait. Boltraffio captures a fascinating balance between youth and perhaps the weight of his lineage. That unwavering gaze suggests maturity beyond his years. Do you notice anything peculiar about the colours? Editor: Now that you mention it, there’s an interesting warmth to the colours - very specific browns and reds, contrasting with the black cap and blue background. It lends a unique sense of presence. Why this specific choice of palette? Curator: Renaissance artists often used colour not just for realism, but symbolically. The reds, in particular, speak to nobility and passion, important ideals to associate with a Sforza. But, equally fascinating is Boltraffio’s style; a student of Leonardo DaVinci no less, known to employ techniques like Sfumato! Can you notice the use of it in the background? Editor: Yes! This delicate haziness blurs the edges so subtly and naturally! How can that inform my perspective as a modern-day viewer of Renaissance Art? Curator: Well, remember the purpose of that technique, "Sfumato" comes from the word “fumo,” or smoke! Its function is to allow for ambiguity and for our gaze to feel welcomed instead of excluded by clean, precise lines. We, too, are meant to look with the perspective of someone in smoky-Milan, a blurry-dream! What do you think? Editor: Absolutely - I see it! Thank you! This piece makes much more sense to me now - thinking about atmosphere. Curator: Wonderful!