Portrait of Francesco Sassetti 1483

"Portrait of Francesco Sassetti" is a 1483 fresco by Domenico Ghirlandaio, a prominent Florentine artist of the Early Renaissance. The painting depicts Francesco Sassetti, a wealthy Florentine merchant, kneeling in prayer. Ghirlandaio's masterful use of light and shadow, as well as his meticulous attention to detail, bring Sassetti's portrait to life. The realistic rendering of the figure, the meticulously painted drapery, and the evocative background combine to create a powerful and moving image of devotion. The inscription at the bottom of the fresco, "V DECEMBRIS," indicates the date of the portrait, suggesting that Sassetti was commissioned to create the painting as a memorial to himself. This work exemplifies Ghirlandaio's ability to capture the essence of his sitter, making it a significant example of Renaissance portraiture.