Federico Gonzaga (1500–1540)
Medium
Tempera on wood, transferred from wood to canvas and then again to wood
Dimensions
Overall 18 7/8 x 14 in. (47.9 x 35.6 cm); painted surface 17 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. (45.1 x 34.3 cm)
Classification
Paintings
Department
European Paintings
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
Accession Number
14.40.638
Tags
Art Historical Context
In the early 16th century, Francesco Francia, a leading painter of the Bolognese school, captured the youthful poise of Federico Gonzaga this intimate portrait from 1510. At just 10 years old, Federicofuture Duke of Mantua and a key patron of the Renaissance—was depicted with the refined elegance typical of Francia's style, blending Northern Italian clarity with influences from Perugino. This work exemplifies the Renaissance fascination with individualized portraiture, showcasing the boy's noble status through his direct gaze, luxurious attire, and subtle modeling that conveys both innocence a...
About the Artist
Francesco Francia · 1447–1517
Influential Bolognese painter of his period, noted for sweet, softly rounded Madonnas and portraits. Influenced by Costa, his partner, and by Perugino. Comment on works: Religious