An Old Man And His Grandson by Domenico Ghirlandaio, c. 1490, tempera on panel, Louvre, Paris
My oldest grandson is graduating from high school this month. Where did the time go??? The years just flew by; guess that is how life is, isn’t it! He is such a huge part of my life, and always will be— so many memories—holding him in my arms the day he was born to all the adventures through the years. It is just so hard to believe he is heading off to his next chapter in life. Though difficult,, I am so proud of him, so proud of the young man he has become.
My relationship with my grandson makes me think of the painting by Ghirlandaio, Old Man and His Grandson…
On a visit to Paris, I wanted to see this portrait at the Louvre. It held special significance for me as I was about to embark on a new chapter in my life, that of “Nana-hood.” The moment I saw it, fond memories of my grandparents flashed through my mind….
What perfect human love! Eyes locked, the gentle touch of the grandchild’s hand — the warm red tones — in this portrait of human connection, the years that separate the old man and the young boy simply vanish. The piece is tender, quiet, yet emotionally charged. Immediate, yet timeless.
Domenico Ghirlandaio was a master painter during the 15th-century Italian Renaissance. Born in Florence in 1448, he ran a successful artists’ workshop with several other family members. His apprentices included Michelangelo. An Old Man And His Grandson is one of Ghirlandaio’s best-known works, and in my opinion, his most poignant. The artist captures a fleeting moment. There are no barriers between the sweet, innocent face of the child and the wise, tender face of the older gentleman.
Yes, it is the condition of the nose (rhinophyma) of the old man that dominates his face, and this is the element that initially captures our attention. But it is our heart, our soul, that looks beyond his physical appearance and sees and feels such a warmth between two individuals who are separated only by years — the old man in the winter of his life, the youthful boy in the spring of his.
The composition of this portrait is typical of what art historians find from the late 15th-century Florentine Renaissance. Elements include half-length figures, three-quarter profiles, and a window that draws the eyes to the landscape with its serpentine road, rolling hills, and majestic mountains. The landscape, both gentle and rugged, seems to echo the portrait. The color red dominates the painting, exuding the essence of pure love.
The little boy is a classic example of Renaissance beauty: a naturalistic yet idealistic face, tender lips and nose, innocent eyes, delicate fingers, and golden, curly hair framing his face. The touch of his hand is loving, as is the kind gaze of the old man who looks downward with his wrinkled, heavy-lid eyes. Youth and age, beauty and the ravages of time, contemplate one another. Time stands still.
What memories surface as you gaze at Ghirlandaio’s An Old Man and His Grandson? Do you recall a time when you felt safe in the arms of a grandparent or other cherished relative? If you are a grandparent, do you note parallels between the warmth of this artwork and your own connection with your grandchild?
Whatever our age, we all long to feel secure and loved, just the way we are. Perhaps this piece can remind us of the difference we make in the lives of our loved ones. We are more valuable and appreciated than perhaps we realize.
I hope and pray I have been a good influence, a good mentor to my grandson. I hope and pray we will continue our close relationship throughout my life.