Artwork
Portrait of Francesco I de' Medici as a Child
Portrait of Francesco I de' Medici as a Child is a tempera painting by the Mannerist artist Bronzino. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.
About this work
Overview
The Portrait of Francesco I de' Medici as a Child is a tempera painting created by Bronzino in 1551. It is a representation of the young Francesco, heir to the Medici family.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young boy, dressed in a dark robe with gold embroidery, holding a piece of paper and gazing directly at the viewer. The serious expression on his face suggests concentration or contemplation.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the portrait exemplifies Bronzino's refined style, characteristic of the Mannerist movement. The dark background serves to accentuate the subject, while the intricate gold patterns on the robe demonstrate the artist's attention to detail.
History & Provenance
The painting is now held in the Uffizi Gallery, a testament to its significance as a work by Bronzino, who served as court painter to Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany.
Artist & collection
Artist
Agnolo di Cosimo (Italian:; 17 November 1503 – 23 November 1572), usually known as Bronzino (Italian: Il Bronzino ) or Agnolo Bronzino, was an Italian Mannerist painter from Florence.
