Portrait of Cardinal Albergati 1431

This oil on wood portrait of Cardinal Albergati by Jan van Eyck, painted in 1431, is a prime example of Northern Renaissance portraiture. The work, now located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, captures the Cardinal's likeness with striking realism, emphasizing his age and dignity through subtle details like his wrinkled skin and contemplative gaze. Van Eyck's mastery of oil paint allows for a lifelike depiction of Albergati's features, contributing to the work's enduring impact. This small-scale portrait offers a glimpse into the individual lives of prominent figures during the Renaissance, a departure from the traditional focus on religious themes.