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Archbishop Filippo Archinto

c. 1558
Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (Italian (active Venice), first securely documented 1508, died 1576)
The unusual portrayal of this man can be explained by facts known about his life. Archinto was appointed archbishop of Milan in 1556, but political troubles prevented his taking possession of the post. The veil obscuring him from view stands for these difficulties. The episcopal ring, which the artist carefully reveals just outside the veil, symbolizes Archinto's legal right to office.

Object Details

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