Portret van Alessandro de' Medici 1549 - 1575

This is a portrait of Alessandro de' Medici, created by an anonymous artist, its fine lines etched into a small rectangular plate. The cross-hatching creates both form and tonal depth. Consider how the subject's armor isn't merely decorative; it defines his presence within a rigid social structure, indicative of power and authority. The composition places Alessandro centrally, framed by an ornate border that both contains and emphasizes his figure. This symmetrical arrangement suggests stability, but look closer: the slight asymmetry in his gaze and posture introduces a subtle tension. Such formal choices reflect the complexities of representation, where power is constructed through calculated visual cues. This portrait, with its detailed lines and careful arrangement, engages with enduring questions about identity, power, and the ways they are visually encoded.