Portrait of a Man in Armor with Two Pages

A young man in gleaming half-armour stands between two pages who hold his helmet and shield, a grand display of Venetian swagger. Paris Bordon was one of the most brilliant colourists of the Venetian Renaissance, a rival of Titian who worked for princes across Europe, and this portrait shows his love of rich stuffs and proud poses. The polished steel, the crimson sleeves and the confident tilt of the head make it a celebration of youth and rank.