Federico Gonzaga (1500-1540) was commissioned by Isabella d'Este Gonzaga. The portrait was of her son who had only a few weeks earlier been abducted and taken to the papal court in Rome. The piece was painted by Francesco Francia a renowned artist of the Renaissance who created many famous pieces including Madonna and Child. d'Este herself was a powerful political figure who was related to most rulers throughout Italy. The painting was of Federico Gonzaga one of her seven children. He was abducted as an exchange for the release of his father. The grief of losing her child, d'Este provided Francesco Francia with sketches of her son in order for him to create the piece.
The painting was created in just twelve days, completed in 1510. Interestingly the piece itself has quite a tumultuous history having been stolen by order of Pope Julius II, later being returned to d'Este. She then gifted it to a friend in 1512.
The painting was created using tempera paint first painted on wood and then later transferred to canvas and then transferred back to wood.
The use of linear perspective makes Federico feel close to the viewer while the vastness of the background creates distance and feelings of loss. Francia uses color to portray innocence through the pink cheeks an lips. This helps create an imagine of security as he conveys strength in the use of browns when painting the eyes and hair. Finally the use of color is most powerfully used to create a sense of mourning through the use of black in Federico's clothing. Shape is used in the humanism characteristics of the painting that can be best seen through the details in the hand and sweeping curves on the face. The use of the shape of the wall in front of Federico hints at the separation between him and his mother.
Personally when I first found this painting I was very drawn to the longing on Federico's face and the striking nature of his hair as well as the details on his berretta. However after researching his story and the nature of the painting it seems like a bad omen to own a print of this piece. If I ever was given the chance to visit the MET I would love to find this piece to appreciate in its physical glory.
Works Cited:
"Francesco Francia" National Gallery of Art https://www.nga.gov/collection/artist-info.1319.html
"Francesco Gonzaga" The Met Fifth Avenue https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436333
"Isabella d'Este" Brooklyn Museum https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/isabella_d_este
I find it appealing how a painting done in just twelve days can have so much meaning to it, even down to the rosy cheeks. I like how you mentioned the theme of humanism in the hands. I also don't think I would own this painting due to the history behind its creation. Great job!
ReplyDeleteI am shocked that this painting was completed in only twelve days, but I have found that sometimes artists do their best work in therapeutic situations, which may have been the case here. Like you, I probably would not want this piece hanging in my home due to the negative energy surrounding the story. I am extremely drawn to his face and the melancholy there seems to be on it. I wonder if she painted it as a prayer that she would see him again. Great analysis!
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