The buildings seen in the top left-hand corner of the painting identify the site of the portrait's sitting as Bergamo in Lombardy.

A canon, primicerio of the cathedral of Sant'Alessandro, apostolic prothonotary, count and knight, he was a very important personality in the Bergamo area.

[2][3] The canvas depicting Bartolomeo Bonghi is considered one of the best portraits of Moroni, and is a tribute to the subject's position as rector in 1563, who is highlighted in every detail, by the book that he holds in his hand, to the configuration of the landscape seen from the window, and his youthful age.

Bonghi is depicted in a three-quarter view, sitting on a chair, with a frontal gaze, turned towards the observer, in the act of having temporarily interrupted the reading of the book he holds in his hand, apparently disturbed by a presence.

non obtempe[raverit], would indicate that it is a work of Camillo Plauzio Pezone, a ordinary professor of civil law in Pavia, published in 1553, the year when Bonghi was university rector.

This detail would create difficulties in the correct dating of the painting, which however, due to its material and quality characteristics, can be traced to 1561-1562.

He wears a rich black satin tunic, adorned with a large fur from where the white profiles of the curled collar and shirt appear.