“The Old Woman” is a portrait created in 1506 by the artist Giorgione, a notable figure of the High Renaissance movement. Executed in oil on canvas, the artwork measures 68 x 59 cm. This painting captures the essence of High Renaissance portraiture through its detailed representation and lifelike quality.
The artwork portrays an elderly woman cloaked in warm, muted tones. Her expression appears reflective and somber, adding a profound depth to her characterization. Draped in a simple garment, she holds a scroll with the inscription “COL TEMPO,” meaning “with time,” signifying the inevitable passage of time and perhaps the wisdom that comes with it. The stark, dark background accentuates the subject, drawing the viewer’s focus directly to her visage and the details of her countenance. The subtle play of light and shadow enhances the realism and three-dimensionality of the painting, characteristic of the High Renaissance style that Giorgione adeptly executed.
