What is this man with the crooked red beret (that's what they call a cap in Venice) thinking, who is looking at us carefully? He has a tight mouth and is sitting very straight. He looks confident and is wearing expensive clothes, such as a bright red coat. He belongs to the upper class of Venice.
But who was this man? Despite his unique facial features, we no longer know. The landscape in the background also gives no clue as to who he is.
That's a pity, because Carpaccio painted the expression and personality of the man very carefully. That was something new at the time: members of the upper class had to represent their noble family or their offices and increase their power and prestige. Who they were as people was not so important.
But shortly before 1500, that changed: Vittore Carpaccio and some other painters were interested in the personality and character of their models. They painted portraits that seemed alive. And indeed: the unknown gentleman with his red cap looks as if he would speak to us at any moment, he is painted so lifelike.
Take a look at the other pictures in the room. Some people are portrayed as rigid and immobile, others as lively and individual.