Giuliano de' Medici
Artist: Sandro Botticelli (Italian, 1446–1510)
Original Dimensions: 29 3/4" x 20 11/16"
Location: National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About Artwork: (c. 1478/1480) "
This portrait of young Giuliano de’ Medici was likely painted after his murder in 1478. The downward tilt of his head, lowered eyelids, half-open window, and turtledove on a dead branch can all symbolize death. Giuliano and his brother Lorenzo de’ Medici were targets of an assassination plot. Members of the Pazzi family wanted to remove the Medicis from power.
They were attacked in the Duomo (cathedral) of Florence during High Mass on Easter. Lorenzo escaped with wounds, but Giuliano was killed. Portraits of Lorenzo (such as this painted terracotta bust) were made to show citizens that he was still alive and in power. Those of Giuliano were commemorative." - (National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.)

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