Duchess Eleonora Gonzaga de' Medici

This alleged portrait of the bride of Vincenzo Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, has greater historical then artistic value. However, the monumental dress of the duchess and her very large lace collar denounce the presence of an anonymous painter in a northern or Spanish court. He outlines a hard face, embellished with pink spots on the cheeks. The sharp look, the pearl earring and the magnificence of the dress stand out. As for Eleonora, she was born in Florence in 1567, the eldest daughter of Francesco I de’ Medici and Giovanna of Austria. In turn, the mother was the daughter of Emperor Ferdinand of Hapsburg. In marrying Vincenzo, in his second marriage, two illustrious families united, and the Gonzagas strengthened their relations with the great imperial power. Furthermore, Eleonora's sister was Maria de 'Medici, wife of Henry IV of France.