An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of Giovanni de’ Medici, called Giovanni dalle Bande Nerec. 1565
Artist: Attributed to Carlo Portelli
Italian (Tuscany), c. 1510–1574
53 5/8 x 41 3/8 in. (136.21 x 105.09 cm) (panel)
Oil on panel
Painting
Italy
16th century
The Putnam Dana McMillan Fund
In the rich tapestry of Italy’s past, a singular figure stands out, a warrior whose life was woven into the struggles of his time. Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, born in 1498, was more than just a condottiere—a mercenary commanding papal forces; he was a symbol of resilience against the shadow of invaders. His battles rang loud and fierce as he fought bravely against the oncoming tide of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, seeking to reclaim a homeland that seemed forever threatened.
The year of his untimely death, 1526, dawned grim, as it was mere days away from a devastating siege. Outside Mantua, under a sky heavy with foreboding, Giovanni faced combat, unaware that soon after his last breath, the very city of Rome would be sacked. His life's story, though cut short at just 28 years, was recently revealed as scientists unearthed his remains within the hallowed ground of the Medici family tombs.
As those bones were carefully studied, tales of his athletic prowess surfaced. The man was described as vigorous, with an athletic body that once carried the weight of heavy armors and the echoes of countless battles. He bore a medium-sized skull, a narrow nose, and strong shoulders; evidence that reflected his noble heritage and the rigors of his demanding profession. Indeed, he was a horseman of exceptional skill, demonstrated through the well-defined muscles that resided in his legs and feet. But even the mightiest warriors succumb to the toll of war. The wear on his hips and back spoke of years spent under the burden of duty, galloping tirelessly across the rugged terrains of Italy.
Yet, as fate would have it, Giovanni endured a horrific injury—a cannonball struck his right leg, leading to an amputation below the knee. Days passed in agonizing torment, a gangrene infection devouring what was left of him, ultimately claiming his life after a torturous three days. His physical form may have been lost, but his spirit and legacy endured, echoing through the passages of time.
In the years that followed, gracefully posthumous portraits were commissioned to capture the essence of this valiant soldier, most notably during the joyous occasion of the wedding between Francesco de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Joanna of Austria, daughter of Emperor Ferdinand I. This union, forged in an era marked by strife, symbolized a delicate truce between the former foes—the Medici and the Habsburgs.
Among the swirling brushstrokes of these paintings, one could find Portelli’s artwork, alive with emotion. The romantic figures of male and female herms lingered in the corners, entwined, ivy delicately climbing the figure of the woman as if binding their fates together in an eternal embrace. This imagery spoke to the theme of marital fidelity—a gentle reminder that amidst turmoil, love and legacy can flourish, binding generations together in hope and remembrance.
Through Giovanni dalle Bande Nere’s story, we glimpse not just the past, but a reminder of the struggles and triumphs that shape our journey. As we look back, we can find peace and inspiration in the lives that came before us, their stories echoing in every corner of history.
About the artist
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