Filippo Archinto (born about 1500, died 1558), Archbishop of Milan

Filippo Archinto (born about 1500, died 1558), Archbishop of Milan is a compelling oil on canvas portrait executed by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) between 1554 and 1556. This monumental late-Renaissance work depicts the prominent cleric, Filippo Archinto, during a crucial period of his career. Archinto had served as papal nuncio to Venice and was appointed Archbishop of Milan in 1556 by Pope Paul IV, securing the commission from the aged Venetian master while navigating the high politics of the mid-sixteenth century.

Titian employs a dramatically innovative composition for this piece. The subject, an authoritative man in clerical attire, is shown half-length, framed by the artist’s characteristic rich, dark tones. A unique feature of the painting is the heavy, diaphanous veil or curtain that passes across the central plane, obscuring much of Archinto’s body. This compositional barrier focuses the viewer’s attention sharply on the Archbishop’s intense gaze and powerful facial expression, demonstrating Titian’s sophisticated understanding of psychological depth in formal portraiture. The fluid, expressive brushwork, particularly evident in the treatment of the robes, is typical of the artist's style during the 1550s.

This exceptional piece of European portraiture, classified among the greatest Renaissance depictions of influential men, is a cornerstone of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The canvas offers critical insight into Titian’s late style and his relationship with high-ranking patrons. Because of its historical and artistic significance, high-quality images and prints of this work are commonly available through public domain collections, ensuring continued access for scholarly research.