Bernardino Licinio – Portrait of Stefano Nani Part 1 National Gallery UK

Here we observe a half-length portrait of a young man set against a dark, undefined background. The subject is positioned slightly off-center, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a contemplative expression. His features are rendered with meticulous detail; the skin exhibits a subtle luminosity, and the hair, styled in a manner characteristic of the period, frames his face softly.
The man wears a voluminous dark cloak or mantle draped across his shoulders, its folds carefully articulated to suggest weight and texture. A glimpse of a lighter garment is visible beneath the cloak, hinting at layers of clothing. He holds a small tablet or plaque, inscribed with text in Latin – Stephanus Nani Abauro XVIIMDVIII Lycinius S.P. - which rests against his hand and extends downwards towards the lower edge of the composition. A ring adorns one of his fingers, adding another detail to his presentation.
The subdued palette, dominated by dark browns and blacks, contributes to a sense of solemnity and introspection. The lighting is focused on the man’s face and upper body, drawing attention to his expression and attire while leaving the background in shadow. This contrast enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure and isolates him from any specific environment.
The presence of the inscribed tablet suggests an emphasis on identity and legacy. The Latin inscription likely denotes the subjects name, origin (Abauro), birth year (1518), and possibly the artist’s initials (Lycinius S.P.). This detail implies a desire to memorialize the individual and record his existence for posterity.
The overall impression is one of quiet dignity and intellectualism. The mans pose, combined with his direct gaze and the symbolic tablet, suggests a person of importance or refinement, perhaps a scholar or member of the aristocracy. The artist has created an image that transcends mere representation; it aims to convey something about the subject’s character and place within the social order.