Costa, Lorenzo (Italian, 1460-1535) costa2 The Italian artists

The painting presents a male figure in a three-quarter pose, his gaze directed towards the viewer with a solemn and somewhat melancholic expression. The subject is unclothed from the waist up, revealing a muscular torso rendered with considerable attention to anatomical detail. Three arrows are embedded within his body: one piercing his shoulder, another entering his side, and a third aimed at his chest near the heart.
The artist employed a muted color palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and creams – which contribute to an atmosphere of quiet introspection. Light falls predominantly on the figure’s face and upper torso, highlighting the texture of his skin and emphasizing the intensity of his gaze. The background is dark and indistinct, serving to isolate the subject and focus attention entirely upon him.
The presence of the arrows immediately suggests a narrative of suffering or sacrifice. Their placement – particularly the one directed at the heart – implies a profound emotional and physical pain. The figure’s expression does not convey overt agony; instead, there is an air of resignation and acceptance, hinting at a stoic endurance of hardship.
The subjects hairstyle – short, dark curls framing his face – and the overall rendering of his features suggest a classical influence, possibly drawing upon depictions of mythological figures or idealized male beauty prevalent in Renaissance art. The lack of overt religious iconography allows for multiple interpretations; while the image could be understood as representing martyrdom or divine suffering, it also resonates with themes of human vulnerability and resilience in the face of adversity.
The composition’s simplicity – the figure centered against a dark backdrop – amplifies the emotional weight of the scene. The direct gaze establishes an intimate connection between the viewer and the subject, inviting contemplation on the nature of pain, sacrifice, and enduring strength.