Pietro Strozzi: Marshal of France, Condottiere and enemy of Medici

Pietro Strozzi: Marshal of France and Spirited Condottiere

Dimensions:

H 73cm

L 51cm circa

Pietro Strozzi: Marshal of France and Spirited Condottiere
Portrait of Pietro Strozzi Italian School, 17th Century
Painting Details:
In the style of Cristofano dell'Altissimo (1525-1605).
Oil on canvas, original canvas. 

Condition: Ancient restorations both pictorial and structural. On the back of the canvas, a restoration seam is visible, a rare and interesting testimony of rudimentary restoration techniques of the time.

Frame: Gilded carved wood frame.

Dimensions with frame: cm.


This portrait represents Pietro Strozzi, a renowned Italian military commander of the 16th century. Coming from the prestigious Florentine Strozzi family, Pietro was a declared opponent of the Medici. After the defeat at the Battle of Montemurlo in 1537, he took refuge in France and served at the court of Catherine de' Medici.
He participated in numerous military campaigns, including the war in Scotland in favor of Mary of Guise and the defense of Siena against Cosimo de' Medici. He died during the siege of Thionville in 1558.

Life of Pietro Strozzi:
In 1539, he was warmly welcomed by Pope Paul III in Rome and undertook unsuccessful negotiations to purchase Fano or a castle near Perugia.
In 1541, he was expelled from Venice with his brothers for managing a spy network in favor of France.

Between 1542 and 1543, he gathered troops in the territories of the Serenissima Republic of Venice and took control of the port of Marano Lagunare against Emperor Ferdinand of Austria.

Later, he sold Marano to the Venetians for 35,000 ducats. In 1544, disguised, he crossed the Duchy of Milan to deliver messages to Francis I and undertook various military operations in Lombardy and Emilia, supporting the French cause against the imperial forces.

 In 1548, he was appointed Marshal of France and participated in the defense of Siena against the troops of Cosimo I de' Medici during the War of Siena (1552-1555). Despite his efforts, Siena fell, and Strozzi retreated to France.
Strozzi is remembered not only for his military skills but also for his loyalty to his family and the French cause.

This portrait represents not just a piece of art but a significant fragment of Renaissance history.

Rare case of original canvas and stretcher frame from XVII century.

On reverse of canvas of sewed canvas restoration is visible, which is very interesting and rare testimony of rudimentary ancient restorations, instead of more modern patches.