Giuliano de' Medici (1479–1516), Duke of Nemours 16th century

This is Raphael’s portrait of Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours, painted in oil, some time in the early 16th century. The portrait commemorates a man of power and privilege; but its creation also reflects the social and political currents of Renaissance Italy. Giuliano’s confident gaze and elegant attire speak to his status, yet beneath the surface lies a complex interplay of power, family, and personal identity. The Medici family were major patrons of the arts. Their wealth and influence shaped the cultural landscape of Florence and beyond. Raphael, benefiting from that patronage, would certainly have been aware of the intricate dance between artistic expression and political power. The artwork is not merely a record of a man’s likeness, but also a lens through which we can examine the construction of identity, the dynamics of power, and the legacies of families like the Medici that continue to shape our understanding of history. It invites us to consider whose stories are told, whose faces are immortalized, and who has the power to shape the narrative.