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Portrait of a Man with the Medal of Cosimo
The portrait depicts a young man holding in his triangular hands a medal with the image of Cosimo de' Medici. The medal is made of pastiglia and embedded in the painting. The painting is distinguished by the direct eye contact of the figure with the viewer, which was an innovative approach in Renaissance portraits. The man's identity is not clearly established — there are various hypotheses, including the possibility that he is Botticelli's brother, a member of the Medici family, or an artist associated with medal design.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Sandro Botticelli
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Date of birth and death
c. 1445 – May 17, 1510
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Natinality
Italian
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Style
Early Renaissance
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Significant works
The Birth of Venus, Primavera, Adoration of the Magi, Mystic Nativity, Saint Augustine in His Study
Information about the work
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Year:
1474
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Execution technique:
Tempera on wood
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Location:
Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy
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Theme:
portrait, Renaissance, male figure, medals, Medici family
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The painting symbolizes the loyalty and connection of the young man with the Medici family, emphasized by the centrally placed medal with the image of Cosimo. The figure looks directly at the viewer, establishing close contact, introducing a new dimension in Renaissance portraiture — direct interaction.
The key to interpreting the work
Pay attention to anatomical details, the symbolism of the medal, composition, and Botticelli's innovative solutions in creating a portrait directed towards the audience.See other works by this artist
The Virgin and Child with Two Angels and St. John the Baptist
- Artist: Sandro Botticelli
- Year: 1470
