Giuliano de' Medici (1479–1516), Duke of Nemours
Original title: Giuliano de' Medici (1479–1516), Duke of Nemours
kurzbeschreibung
Raphael painted this portrait of Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours. The year of execution is not recorded. The picture is in tempera and oil on canvas and measures 83.2 x 66 cm. The duke appears in dark clothing with folded hands, set against a landscape.
Description
A dark, broad cap and a dark robe cover the man, with a red shirt showing beneath. His folded hands rest on a support that is only partly visible. A landscape with buildings and a tower forms the backdrop. Side light falls in, highlighting the facial features and the texture of the fabrics. The colors are muted, and a strong contrast exists between the dark garment and the green background.
Context
As the third son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Giuliano de' Medici was elevated to Duke of Nemours by Pope Leo X in 1515. Raphael was then among the leading painters of the High Renaissance and worked for the popes in Rome. The portrait was probably made in the last years of Giuliano's life; he died in 1516. It belongs to a series of portraits of the Medici family that Raphael produced for the family.
Impact
The calm posture and serious expression give the painting a dignified, almost melancholy mood. Because the dark clothing contrasts with the bright landscape, the face and hands come to the fore, lending the portrait an intimate note.
Technique
Tempera and oil are combined on canvas. This mixed technique allowed fine details and a rich color effect. Textures are carefully rendered, and the light is softly modeled — hallmarks of Raphael's manner.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)