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Doge Andrea Gritti
Oil on canvas, 133.6 x 103.2 cm, by Titian, c. 1546/50
National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.


In this posthumous portrait of the Venetian leader, Titian depicts him in his official regalia, capturing both his commanding presence and the opulence of his office. Gritti's intense gaze and furrowed brow convey a sense of determination and authority, while the rich textures of his gold brocade robe and the white fur lining are rendered with Titian's characteristic mastery. His bold brushwork adds vitality to the portrait, particularly in the intricate details of Gritti's facial features in impasto. Notably, Gritti's right hand is depicted gathering up his cloak, a gesture that some scholars suggest may reference Michelangelo's sculpture of Moses, implying a comparison between Gritti and other authoritative leaders renowned for their commanding personalities.