Portrait of a young man c. 1480 - 1485

Sandro Botticelli made this portrait of a young man using tempera on wood panel. The smooth, almost porcelain finish of the face is achieved through meticulous layering and blending of the paint, a hallmark of the Renaissance technique. Yet, it is the handling of the clothing that really captures the spirit of the age. The rich blacks and vibrant reds were made with expensive pigments derived from minerals and plants. The choice of materials was no accident; it reflects the sitter's social standing and the economic system that supported such commissions. Botticelli's skill in rendering these materials – the soft wool of the hat, the sheen of the silk – elevates the portrait beyond mere likeness. Each brushstroke speaks to the value placed on skilled craftsmanship and the conspicuous display of wealth in Renaissance society. So next time you look at a Renaissance painting, consider not just the subject, but the very stuff it's made of. The materials, the making, and the context.