Artwork: Gian Galeazzo Sanvitale

Artist: Parmigianino

Created: 1524

Medium: Oil on panel

Dimensions: 109 x 81 cm

Location: Museo di Capodimonte, Naples, Italy “Admired for his landscapes and Mannerist religious paintings, Parmigianino (Girolamo Mazzola, 1503-40)was also one of the great Italian Renaissance portraitists. The viewer is immediately struck here by the vitality and physical presence of Sanvitale, count Fontanellato. He sits in a fine chair wearing elaborate clothing, and stares directly and unflinchingly. He wears a sword, while an impressive pile of military equipment is heaped behind him. In his gloved right hand he holds a medal displaying what may be alchemical symbols. From the background, foliage crowds in one the sitter. In its way, this is a flattering portrait of a Renaissance nobleman. Yet it is hard to avoid the impression that the artist ha created an unfriendly, critical portrait. The sitter’s haughty expression seems close to petulance. But whether or not we warm to the count, the painting remains a masterpiece of representational art.” (RGbyd)

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