Man with the Blue Sleeve

Man with the Blue Sleeve,1510,  Titian

My favourite elements from this painting are the fluffs and ridges on the expansive blue sleeve and the thin gold chain running along the line of the collar.

There is something about the Man that is alluring, whether it is his sidelong glance or his expression which seems to suggest that he is not too happy about his sleeve getting all the attention from the artist. I love the shades of darkness in the background, the cloak like garment draped on his left shoulder both visible and invisible. The Man's hair is again a combination of black on the crown and brown on the sides. The eyes are appealing as well. I wonder how he would have looked with eyelashes. If you look long enough, the left eye takes on a life of its own.

The ledge on which he rests his arm is a tease. You want to know what is written on it; alas, you can only see so much and you are welcome to imagine the rest.