Bishop Bernardo de' Rossi
by LOTTO, Lorenzo, Oil on wood, 54 x 41 cm
The bishop, who was the leading figure of the cultural life of Treviso and the “discoverer” of Lotto, is portrayed as he makes a restrained gesture of intense energy. The plastic structure of the portrait conveys an idea of a strong, almost aggressive physical presence. Moreover, the careful rendering of the smallest details of his appearance emphasizes the moral stature of the cultured prelate.
The painted cover of the portrait, representing an allegorical scene, is in the National Gallery of Art, Washington.