"It's impossible to take an unnecessary risk. Because you only find out wheter a risk was unnecessary after you've taken it."

The Italian industrialist known as Gianni Agnelli, was the grandson of Giovanni Agnelli senior (1866-1945), founder of the Italian car industry. Agnelli took over the management of the FIAT group in 1966, and succeeded, together with his brother Umberto, in making the brand into the largest car manufacturer in Europe. He was a playboy, bon viveur, the symbol of capitalism, and one of the most well-known and influential Italians outside his own country. Thus, the Agnellis were often compared with the Kennedys, and seen as a substitute royal family. One of his characteristic traits, for example, was to wear his wrist watch over his shirt, which is still copied by his fans.

In this composition the upper body is seen to blend into the black background. Just visible, and only on close examination, is the shape of the woollen scarf. Not only in this instance is the portrait remarkable for its unique attention to detail, since every muscle, line and wrinkle can be seen in the face of the former FIAT boss. These are the marks of a life which have shaped a personality.