| Portrait of Federico II Gonzaga | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Artist | Titian |
| Year | c. 1529 |
| Medium | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 125 cm × 99 cm (49 in × 39 in) |
| Location | Museo del Prado,Madrid |
Portrait of Federico II Gonzaga (c. 1529) is a painting byTitian, who signed itTicianus f.. Today in theMuseo del Prado, Madrid, it portraysFederico II, Duke of Mantua who married in 1529; the portrait may have been commissioned for the occasion. The dog, aMaltese, is a symbol of faithfulness.[1]
Federico II Gonzaga is portrayed at half-length, standing against a dark neutral background, with one hand on his sword and the other stroking a Maltese dog, as if to underline his dual nature: friendly with those who are faithful to him, still ready to fight his enemies. The dog was usually used in female portraits and in this case is a symbol of loyalty.
He wears a long beard, according to the 16th-century fashion, while his gaze is attentive and intelligent. He wears a sumptuous tunic with edges decorated with embroidered inserts, tight at the waist and wide at the hips. Around his neck he wears a necklace of black pearls, with a crucifix that testifies his faith, a notation that underlined his redemption from a stormy past.[2]
The work is mentioned in a 1666 inventory of theRoyal Alcázar of Madrid, coming from the collection of theMarquess of Leganés. Previous owners includedCharles I of England, who purchased many paintings from theGonzaga collection.
