Portrait of Pier Luigi Farnese

Titian depicts Pier Luigi in three-quarter profile. His averted gaze suggests the transition from contemplation to action, as his right hand grasps the baton, which is a symbol of his military command. Titian captures the luminous effects of light glistening upon Pier Luigi’s armor with immense skill. The soldier to our left hoists a brilliant crimson banner behind the Duke, thus accentuating his stately presence.

Pier Luigi was the eldest son of Pope Paul III, and was named Duke of Castro in 1528 by his father, and then Duke of Parma and Piacenza in 1545, which had been recently annexed by Paul III for this purpose. Pier Luigi may have met Titian in the Emilia region of Italy in 1543. Titian likely painted this canvas in Venice around 1546, after his return from Rome under the invitation of Paul III.