Piero, Eldest Son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, Called Piero the Unfortunate 

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted this tempera on panel portrait of Piero de' Medici, also known as Piero the Unfortunate, in Florence during the late 15th century. The painting reflects the values and social hierarchies of Renaissance Florence, a time when portraits were important status symbols. They demonstrated power and lineage, and this portrait would have been no exception. Ghirlandaio, known for his detailed and realistic style, emphasizes Piero's noble status through his refined features and fashionable attire. The Medici family were major patrons of the arts, using art to promote their political and cultural influence, so even a relatively simple portrait had a part to play in solidifying the family’s authority. Historical documents, including family papers and inventories, help us to understand the significance of such images in Florentine society. By studying these resources, we gain insight into the complex interplay between art, power, and social identity.