The painting was commissioned by Bronzino’s patron, Duke Cosimo
1 de’ Medici, ruler of the city of Florence. It was completed between
1545 and 1550 and was probably intended as a present from the Duke to
King Francis 1 of France. Alliances between Florence, which operated as
a city state, and other states in Europe, were essential to the consolidation
of power wielded by the Medici. The gift of an artwork made a cultural
bridge between the Duke and the King.
|
