Portrait of a Young Man
by TURA, Cosmè, Tempera on panel, 27 x 14 cm
Traditionally the painting was attributed to Piero della Francesca, while at the end of the 19th century to Francesco Cossa. Since 1926 it is generally accepted as a work of Tura. The assumption that the sitter is Borso d’Este was not confirmed. It seems to be an independent portrait, although the possibility that it is a fragment from a larger composition is also emerged.
This portrait of a youth is considered the sole survivor of Tura’s activity as a portrait painter at the Este court of Ferrara. Additionally, Tura has been attributed with the design of two medals of Duke Ercole I d’Este, his wife, Eleonora of Aragon, and their son Alfonso, as well as a portrait miniature of the ducchess.