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Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain, mid-1550s. Creator: Alessandro Cesati (Italian
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Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain, mid-1550s. Creator: Alessandro Cesati (Italian
Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain, mid-1550s. Clad in armor, Philip II wears a chain with the Order of Golden Fleece around his neck. The remarkably precise and varied cutting describes the textures of cloth, metal, skin, and hair while presenting the kings features with striking naturalism--complete with receding hairline and prominent chin--as well as conveying his forceful character. Carved gems were luxury arts of the highest order in the Renaissance, hotly collected and used as diplomatic gifts. The original patron is not yet known, but cameos played a prominent role at the Spanish court, where the royal family often hold gems of Philip II in their portraits. The yellow quartz, rare in the 1500s, probably came from a newly opened source in South America; this object is thus both a natural marvel and a masterful portrait. One of only three known works signed by the artist (his initials appear at miniscule scale on the collar just below the knot of cloth), this stone is also likely in its original setting
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Media ID 19638336
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This print showcases the stunning "Portrait of Philip II, King of Spain" created by Alessandro Cesati in the mid-1550s. The image depicts Philip II clad in armor, exuding a regal and powerful aura. Adorning his neck is a chain with the prestigious Order of Golden Fleece, emphasizing his esteemed status. Cesati's exceptional craftsmanship is evident in this artwork as he skillfully captures intricate details such as cloth textures, metal armor, skin tones, and even the king's receding hairline and prominent chin. The artist's ability to convey these features with striking naturalism adds an element of authenticity to the portrait. Notably, carved gems were highly sought-after luxury items during the Renaissance period and often served as diplomatic gifts. Although it remains unknown who initially commissioned this masterpiece, cameos featuring gems played a significant role at the Spanish court where members of the royal family frequently adorned their portraits with such precious stones. The yellow quartz featured in this portrait was particularly rare during that time period and likely originated from a newly discovered source in South America. This fact makes this object not only an artistic marvel but also a testament to nature's wonders. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that this stone carving bears Cesati's initials discreetly placed on the collar just below a knot of cloth—a unique feature among his works—indicating its authenticity and original setting.
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