BRONZINO,
AGNOLO
(1503-1572)
 Agnolo Bronzino:
Cosimo I de Medici


Click on the picture to see an enlarged version.

  • Oil on Wood. 1545
  • 74 x 58 cm
  • Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence

 Cosimo I dei Medici (Florence 1519-1574) son of Maria Salviati and Giovanni dei Medici, called Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, was duke of Florence since 1537 and first Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1569 to his death. In this portrait he is about 25 years old, wearing his glittering armour, that points out his political ability and his power as a ruler-commander who would have enlarged and fortified the Florentine State.

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the painting is the skilful rendering of the armour, the flashing reflections of the metal and the hand resting languidly on the helmet. It is very beautiful in the firm drawing and the hard polish of the planes to an almost metaphysical effect.

 

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