Giovanni Borgherini and His Tutor
c. 1505 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil painting on canvas depicts two figures, a younger man and an older tutor, engaged in the study of an armillary sphere. It is widely attributed to the Venetian master Giorgione.
Did you know?
The armillary sphere shown in the painting is inscribed with the phrase 'NON VALET INGENIUM NISI', a Latin fragment which translates to 'talent is of no use without [something, likely study or discipline]'. This detail highlights the humanist values of the early 16th century, where intellectual growth was as prized as artistic talent. The painting represents a classic Venetian Renaissance double portrait, capturing a quiet, intellectual intimacy between a student and his mentor.
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Giovanni Borgherini and His Tutor
Attributed to Giorgione, c. 1505
