Portrait of a Young Man (Masaccio)

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Portrait of a Young Man

Masaccio, circa 1425

Wood

National Gallery of Art, Washington

Portrait of a Young Man is a painting by the Italian Renaissance painter Masaccio.

In the early 15th century the profile likeness was the most favored type of portrait, partly because salient features can be delineated with more precision in the side view. Thus in this example, although it is difficult to judge the expression or mood of the unknown man, we have an exact record of his physical appearance. He is wearing a chaperon.