CIRCLE OF AGNOLO DI COSIMO CALLED BRONZINO | Bust-length portrait of Cardinal Giovanni di Cosimo I de' Medici (1544–1562)

The copper plate is flat and stable. The paint surface is relatively clean and the varnish slightly dirty. Raking light reveals a slightly uneven surface due to areas of retouching, which are confirmed under ultraviolet light, in the form of small retouchings scattered in the sitter's face, with slightly larger areas in the background and in his collar and coat. In overall fair condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The sitter was the second son of Cosimo I de' Medici (1519–1574) and Eleonora of Toledo (1522–1562), and was made a cardinal at age 17 on 31 January 1560, and Archbishop of Pisa the following year. Although Vasari mentions 'un ritratto di don Giovanni cardinale de'Medici figliulo del duca Cosimo' commissioned from Bronzino for 'reina Giovanna', the future grand duchess of Florence, no autograph prototype of this composition survives. The best known is probably the miniature (oil on copper, 17 x 12.5 cm.) today in the Uffizi, Florence (inv. 1890, no. 850), which originally formed part of a set of small-scale portraits of members of the Medici family, now assigned to the workshop of Bronzino. A half-length version, attributed to Bronzino, was offered Rome, Christie's, 6 December 2001, lot 294 and a workshop version, depicted in bust-length, was sold London, Sotheby's, 6 July 1994, lot 226.