Two Princes of the House of Este: Ernest VI and Francis II
1513–83
Medium
Pen and brown ink, brush and yellow-brown wash, over black chalk
Dimensions
8 3/4 × 4 15/16 in. (22.3 × 12.6 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Rogers Fund, 1963
Accession Number
63.106
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite drawing, *Two Princes of the House of Este: Ernest VI and II*, captures the noble poise of two young heirs from one of Renaissance Italy's most illustrious families. Created by Pirro Ligorio (c. 1513–1583), a multifaceted artist, architect, andarian who served papal courts and Ferrara's ducal patrons, it exemplifies the era's fascination with portraiture as a tool for dynastic propaganda. The House of Este rulers of Ferrara, were renowned art patrons, commissioning works that glorified their lineage and power—making this intimate depiction a window into their world of political ...