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Possibly by Francesco Granacci, 'Portrait of a Man in Armour', about 1510

About the work

Overview

Au unidentified young man wearing plate armour stands before an open window that looks out onto the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. The Palazzo della Signoria, known as the Palazzo Vecchio, seat of the Florentine government, as well as the Loggia dei Lanzi, are depicted behind him. He appears about to withdraw his sword – perhaps to show his eagerness to defend the city. Depending on when the portrait was painted, he may be portrayed as defending the Florentine Republic, established in 1494, or the city’s long-time oligarchic rulers the Medici, who retook it In September 1512.

In the background is Michelangelo’s giant marble sculpture of David, unveiled on 8 September 1504 – a potent symbol of the Florentine Republic. The Loggia dei Lanzi appears in the picture very much as it does now, but the street between it and the Palazzo Vecchio has changed completely. This is now the location of the Uffizi galleries, housed in government offices begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Portrait of a Man in Armour
Artist
Possibly by Francesco Granacci
Artist dates
1469/70 - 1543
Date made
about 1510
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
70.5 × 51.5 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by wish of the late Sir Anthony Coningham Stirling, KCB, 1871
Inventory number
NG895
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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