Why it matters
A young cardinal, probably in his thirties, sits in a red cape and cap against a dark background, looking calmly towards the viewer. His identity has been much debated; according to the Prado it is perhaps most likely Francesco Alidosi.
Did you know?
- It dates from about 1510–1511.
- Pentimenti show Raphael shortened the hair and moved the left eye.
- Raphael had arrived in Rome in 1508.
Based on the Wikipedia article Portrait of a Cardinal (Raphael) (CC BY-SA 4.0).
