Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici
 | |
| Artist | Agnolo Bronzino |
|---|---|
| Year | 1545 |
| Type | Tempera on panel |
| Dimensions | 74 cm × 58 cm (29 in × 23 in) |
| Location | Uffizi, Florence |
The Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici is a painting by the Italian artist Agnolo di Cosimo, known as Bronzino, finished in 1545. It is housed in the Uffizi Gallery of Florence, Italy.
In his positions of court painter of the Medici, Bronzino was author of several portraits of Grand Duke Cosimo I de' Medici. In this one Cosimo is represented in his young years and, in the words of Giorgio Vasari, "clad with white armor and a hand over the helmet". The portrait has been identified as the one executed in the Villa of Poggio a Caiano in 1545 and mentioned in some letters.
The portrait is devised to show the dominant and proud temperament of the Grand Duke, with a side light shining on his face and on the metallic armor.
The portrait celebrates a great diplomatic victory for Duke Cosimo I. He has, at last got rid for the Spanish garrisons that had hamstrung his rule for such a long time. Remember the Medici only got back into power because of Charles V. Now Charles V left Spanish garrisons stationed in Florence to take care of his “possession.” It is also an assertion of dynastic continuity. I’m here and I’m in charge it says. The Medici aren’t going anywhere soon!
That diplomatic success was achieved in 1543 when in return for a sum of money (Charles V needed funds to fight the Protestants in Northern Europe), the duke obtained the evacuation of the garrisons stationed in Florence.
References
- Page at artnet.it (Italian)