Portrait of Cardinal Federico Cornaro
by STROZZI, Bernardo, Oil on canvas
In addition to sacred works, Bernardo Strozzi painted some spirited portraits. With dense, soft brushwork, and rich colouring, he achieved a vitality that seemed to have been lost with Titian. His work also reflected the influence of Van Dyck, who had worked in Genoa for the local aristocracy.
Cardinal Federico Cornaro was appointed patriarch of Venice in 1631 and remained in office until 1644 when he moved to the papal court in Rome.