Francesco Albani (?)

The sitter has not been identified but it has been suggested that he is a member of the Albani family by an early version or copy of this picture (Bergamo, Casa Suardi) which contains the Albani arms. The sitter may be Francesco Albani on the basis that his signet ring has the initials FA in reverse.

This painting is generally dated about 1520, a date suggested for the dress of the sitter. The Albani were the leading family in Bergamo, for whom Cariani worked on other occasions. (Francesco Albani was later known in Bergamo as 'Pater Patriae'.)