Painting Self-Portraits
Discussion through works of art encourage how to approach ambiguous and complex ideas, thoughts, and feelings. The MFAH offers a democratic space where students and teachers can develop, practice and articulate these habits of mind. Remember that the quality of the conversation is what is important, not finding the artist’s “answer.” Slow down and take the time to make careful observations. Talk about what you notice, and try to avoid jumping to conclusions and interpretations. Be sure to give enough time for silent looking and thinking.
Work of Art
Anton Francesco degli Albizzi was a Florentine diplomat and a member of a prominent family. The ambitious Albizzi supported Florence’s powerful ruling family, the Medici. Later he became their adversary, and in 1537, he was publicly beheaded for treason by Cosimo I de’ Medici. Albizzi probably commissioned this portrait from Sebastiano del Piombo while visiting Rome in the 1520s.
In this work, Sebastiano combines formal grandeur with a suggestion of the sitter’s personality. The large figure of Albizzi dressed in rich clothes dominates the canvas. Note how Albizzi’s sleeves seem to extend beyond the edges of the painting, further enhancing his stature and monumentality. The forceful gesture of his right hand suggests control and strength. The turn of the head and the dark, piercing eyes hint at a sharp intelligence.
During the Renaissance (1400-1550), portraits became an important subject in art, reflecting the belief in the importance of the individual and his or her relationship to other people. The term used to describe this is “humanism,” a concept that emphasizes the worth of each individual and the importance of each person’s contribution to society. The Renaissance world view, which saw people as capable of achievement and of controlling their own destinies, is mirrored in the development of portraits.
Sebastiano del Piombo, originally named Sebastiano Luciani, was probably born in Venice and received his early training there before arriving in Rome in 1511. Sebastiano soon became a close friend and protégé of Michelangelo. Sebastiano’s style, as seen in this work, combines the rich, sensuous textures of Venetian painting with the sculptural grandeur of Michelangelo’s style. He soon attracted the attention of Pope Clement VII. In 1531, the Pope awarded Sebastiano the position of Piombo, or keeper of the papal seals, changing his name to Sebastiano del Piombo. Regardless of his title, he was always referred to simply by his first name, Sebastiano.
In his own time, as he is today, Sebastiano was greatly admired as a portraitist. Giorgio Vasari, author of The Lives of the Artists published in 1556, wrote:
…Sebastiano, who had no equal in portrait painting… painted a portrait of the Florentine Anton Francesco degli Albizzi, who happened to be then in Rome on some business and he made it such that it appeared to be not painted but really alive; wherefore Anton Francesco sent it to Florence as a pearl of great price.¹
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Giorgio Vasari, Lives of the Most Eminent Painters, Sculptors and Architects,vol. 2, translated by Gaston Du C. de Vere (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 1979), p. 1313.
Conversation
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What areas of the painting does your eye move toward? Why? What do you notice about the face and the hands of this person?
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What type of colors are used? How would this work of art be different if bright colors were used? What is the effect of the dark background?
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What words would you use to describe this person? His character? Does he look important? How would you describe his mood?
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What tools did the artist use to evoke his personality?
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Describe how the artist gives a sense of texture, looking at clothing and the human skin.
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How does this artist make use of light? Where does the light fall? What might that mean?
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What type of brushstrokes did the artist use? How can you tell?
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What can you conclude about this person from the way he is dressed? Do you think this person is at work or at home? What kind of work do you think he does?
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Anton Francesco degli Albizzi was a political figure who participated in the establishment of the Florentine Republic. What does the way this person composes himself tell you about his status?
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Describe the angle from which you view the portrait. How does that effect your interpretation of the work?
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This work left a great impression when it was first shown in 1525. What is particularly impressive about the work? Do you think it is difficult to paint?
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This is a figure from the Italian Renaissance, painted by a Renaissance artist. What do you know about that period? Does this painting fit in with what you know? How?
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How does this portrait of a statesman differ from the images of political figures in the media today?
Subject Matter
One of the major reasons artists create art is to communicate an idea. Understanding how to break apart a work of art to see what is being communicated is a vital part of learning about art and how to be an artist. Students who learn how to truly communicate thoughts and concepts create meaningful works of art that have an impact on society.
Assessment
• Have students carefully observe and describe their own faces, then paint a self-portrait.
• Arrange a classroom exhibition of the self-portraits.
Resources
Resources Available to Order
Check our online collection module for further information.
