Federigo Gonzaga
by FRANCIA, Francesco, Oil on wood, 48 x 36 cm
The portrait represents the young Federigo II Gonzaga (1500-1540), son of Francesco Gonzaga and Isabella d’Este. Francesco Francia was commissioned for this portrait which served as an aide-m�moir during the absence of his young son who was taken as a hostage in Rome. As Federigo was to travel to Rome through Bologna, Isabella offered the commission to Francia, and the artist did the portrait in a span of twelve days.
The ten-year-old Federigo is shown bust-length in an expansive landscape. Dressed in a white chemise with a black gown, he holds the pommel of a sword and wears a gold chain with coloured stones and a pendant pearl.