Andrea Gritti (1455–1538) was elected doge (head of the Venetian state) in 1523, and this painting was probably made soon afterwards. He wears his robes of office and on his left hand is a gold ring with a device
representing the doge kneeling before Saint Mark, patron saint of Venice.
Catena’s portrait conveys the power and authority of Gritti, who had a distinguished military and diplomatic career. His face is represented almost in profile against a dark background, like the profile of
a ruler on a medal. He appears to be looking towards someone outside the picture and gesturing down to us. The portrait may have originally hung near a religious image, perhaps of Christ or the Virgin and Child,
for the doge’s attitude is one of dignified adoration. Gritti may have been appealing to them on our behalf, or his pointing right hand could be a rhetorical gesture, reminding us of his skills as a politician.
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