Portrait of Domenico and Marino Grimani 1550

Palma il Giovane painted this portrait of Domenico and Marino Grimani in Venice, probably sometime around 1600. The Grimani family were wealthy Venetian nobles, who rose to prominence through commerce and politics. Both men served as Cardinals in the Catholic Church and were active patrons of the arts and major players in Venetian politics. The portrait is making a statement about dynastic power. The book held by the older man represents the family's intellectual achievements, while their matching red robes symbolize the family's influence in the church. Venice was a major center of artistic innovation at this time. Artists benefited from the patronage of powerful families like the Grimani, but were also constrained by the demands of their patrons. To truly understand this painting, one must research the Grimani family and the history of Venice in the late 16th century. Archival documents, family trees, and studies of Venetian politics can shed light on the social conditions that shaped this portrait.