Meet The Tailor (1570). This sharp-dressed man can be seen in the National Gallery in London. Isn’t he magnificent!

Giovanni Battista Moroni created this portrait. Moroni was from Northern Italy, not exactly a mecca of sophistication.  He didn’t identify with the lords of Florence, Venice, and Rome, but with everyday artisans. This allowed Moroni to develop his own style, painting his working class people with an air of nobility.

I love how Moroni caught The Tailor in the moment, checking out whoever just walked into his shop. The Tailor was a man not to be trifled with. Nobles had their swords, but The Tailor had his big, black scissors.

The ladies of the Renaissance can have their lords; I’d take The Tailor any day!