4 - Pietro FACCHETTI (1535–1613), circle of

Pietro FACCHETTI (1535–1613), circle of Presumed portrait of Francesco II Gonzaga H_204 cm W_122 cm (Restored, re-stretched). This fascinating painting, which can be dated to the first third of the 17th century, is a presumed portrait of Francesco II Gonzaga. Francesco II Gonzaga was the fourth Marquis of Mantua; he took part in Louis XII’s conquest of Milan alongside the Republic of Venice. His marriage to Isabella d’Este in 1490 transformed the court of Mantua into one of the most brilliant centers of art and humanism during the Renaissance. It is interesting to note the anachronistic nature of the armor worn by the figure. Indeed, in an effort to depict a figure who lived in an earlier era, the artist took care to paint armor that was already antique at the time the painting was created. The depiction of ancestors or illustrious historical figures was very common in the 17th century; it served to link their aura and prestige to the work’s patron. In the background of our painting, the artist took care to depict a battle scene. This scene evokes the subject’s role as a condottiere as well as the major military campaigns in which he took part, notably the wars over control of the Milanese territories. Our painting is one of the few surviving full-length portraits from the 17th century and depicts one of the greatest Italian captains of the Renaissance. Expert: Artéon Expert: Quentin BONNEFOY - ARTÉON