Alvise Valaresso as Asclepius

In this portrait of high nobility, the Venetian Ambassador Alvise Valaresso dons the costume familiar with Asclepius. It was common in the times of neoclassicism for members of the upper classes to commission works of themselves in the guise of a God or ancient philsopher. Though little is documented about Valaresso, nor this sculpture, it can be considered that the man was of high wealth as to be able to have this idealised portrait made of him.