Portrait of a young man 1605

El Greco painted this portrait of a young man in oil on canvas in Spain, sometime around the late 16th century. The man's identity remains a mystery, but his clothing provides us with clues about his social standing. The elaborate ruff around his neck, and the fine details of his doublet, indicate a person of means. But why would El Greco, an artist of considerable renown, choose to paint an unknown subject? Perhaps this was a commission, a way for the sitter to publicly display his status and taste. Or maybe El Greco was drawn to the man's character, seeing in his face the nuances of Spanish society. Art historical research can help us understand the social conventions and institutional structures of the period. By examining letters, inventories, and other documents, we can piece together a more complete picture of the world in which this portrait was created, understanding art as a product of its time.