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Imitator of Raphael, Portrait of a Young Man

Key facts
Full title Portrait of a Young Man
Artist Imitator of Raphael
Artist dates 1483 - 1520
Date made early 16th and late 19th century
Medium and support Oil on wood
Dimensions 26.6 × 21.6 cm
Acquisition credit Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number NG2510
Location Not on display
Collection Main Collection
Previous owners
George Salting
Portrait of a Young Man
Imitator of Raphael

In the past this painting was believed to be a portrait of Raphael as the sitter slightly resembles his self portrait in The School of Athens of 1509–11 (Vatican). It is not, however, by Raphael and is probably not a portrait of him either. It was previously described as Umbrian and possibly Bolognese. At one time it was also believed to be by Raphael’s associate, Timoteo Viti (1469–1523), who became court painter in Urbino after the death of Raphael’s father.

Technical examination suggests that the picture is an old one, but the face has been entirely repainted and the painting seems artificially aged. It was probably purchased at a high price by the collector George Salting as a self portrait by Raphael and it entered the National Gallery’s collection as part of the Salting Bequest in 1910.

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