CARDINAL BANDINELLO SAULI, HIS SECRETARY, AND T(3 Sebastiano del Piombo (1485-1547)

The cropped fragment presents a close-up view of a hand and portion of a sleeve, rendered with meticulous attention to detail. The skin tone is pale, exhibiting subtle variations in color that suggest careful observation of light and shadow. A prominent ring adorns the third finger; its design appears complex, featuring a dark stone set within an ornate gold band.
The sleeve itself is composed of layered fabrics – a white undergarment visible beneath a vibrant red outer layer. The folds of the fabric are skillfully depicted, conveying texture and volume. The hand rests upon what seems to be a leather-bound object, possibly a book or document, further hinting at an intellectual or administrative context.
The composition directs focus squarely on the ring. Its size and elaborate design suggest status and wealth. The placement of the finger – slightly bent and poised – implies a gesture that could be interpreted as either authority or contemplation. The contrast between the pale skin, the rich red fabric, and the dark stone of the ring creates visual interest and emphasizes the symbolic weight of the hand itself.
Subtly, the fragment evokes themes of power, privilege, and perhaps secrecy. The cropped nature of the image isolates a single element, prompting speculation about the larger narrative from which it is extracted. It invites consideration of the individual’s role within that context – whether as a ruler, advisor, or scholar – and the responsibilities associated with such a position.