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Cosimo I de' Medici in Armor
Bronzino (Agnolo di Cosimo di Mariano) Italian
Not on view
Almost thirty versions of this portrait are known. This autograph example was sent by Cosimo in 1546 to the physician, writer, and art collector Paolo Giovio, who gathered an extensive set of portraits of famous men. A laurel branch (a Medici emblem) sprouts from the tree trunk inscribed with his name and title, symbolizing Cosimo’s rise to power. The armor was a gift from Emperor Charles V’s brother Ferdinand, king of Bohemia and Royal Hungary. Is Cosimo meant to be seen as a peaceful Mars, god of war, his helmet removed, ready to govern? Or is he likened to his father, who had been a famous soldier?
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