Artwork
Portrait of Pier Maria Rossi di San Secondo
Portrait of Pier Maria Rossi di San Secondo is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Parmigianino. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado. Executed in the mid‑1530s, this oil on canvas portrays Pier Maria Rossi, the Count of San Secondo, in a formal pose.
About this work
Overview
Executed in the mid‑1530s, this oil on canvas portrays Pier Maria Rossi, the Count of San Secondo, in a formal pose. The work resides in Madrid’s Museo del Prado and is linked to a companion portrait of his wife and children, though the attribution of the latter remains debated among scholars.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is presented in a dark, fur‑trimmed robe, his short brown hair and full beard framing a dignified expression. The inclusion of a sword reinforces his noble status, while the sumptuous gold‑patterned backdrop underscores his wealth and rank within the Italian aristocracy of the period.
Technique & Style
Parmigianino employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing the figure to emerge from the luminous background with a three‑dimensional presence. The brushwork captures fine details of fabric and facial features, reflecting the Mannerist emphasis on elegance and refined surface treatment while maintaining a convincing likeness.
History & Provenance
Created between 1535 and 1539, the portrait entered the Spanish royal collection before being transferred to the Prado Museum. Its pairing with the portrait of Camilla Gonzaga and her three sons suggests a commission intended to commemorate the family, though the companion piece’s authorship is not universally accepted.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Girolamo Francesco Maria Mazzola (11 January 1503 – 24 August 1540), also known as Francesco Mazzola or, more commonly, as Parmigianino (UK: , US: , Italian: ; "the little one from Parma"), was an Italian Mannerist…
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