Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany
- Artist: Bronzino
- Date: probably before 1574
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany" painted by Agnolo Bronzino. Commissioned during a time of great change in Florence's history, this portrait captures Cosimo I at the age of 40. At that point, he had already become the ruler of Florence and was in the process of transforming it into a grand duchy. What's interesting is that while the painting is based on Bronzino's official portrait of Cosimo from 1559, it's unlikely to have been painted by him or his assistants.
Cosimo I was a remarkable figure who played a significant role in Florence's transformation. He was a great patron of the arts, building numerous iconic landmarks including the Uffizi and the Pitti Palace. The Boboli Gardens surrounding the palace are also a testament to his vision for the city.
Looking at the painting itself, we can see Cosimo I seated on a throne, surrounded by symbols of power and authority. Bronzino's use of oil on wood creates a sense of depth and luminosity that draws us into the scene. Despite being based on an earlier portrait, this version conveys a sense of grandeur and majesty that reflects Cosimo's status as Grand Duke of Tuscany.
See it in person
Portrait of Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
