Identity of the subject Portrait of a Man with a Medal of Cosimo the Elder

detail, adoration of magi, botticelli.

the identity of young man in portrait has never been agreed, there has been considerable speculation. writing in 1900, art historian george noble plunkett colorfully identified whom believed youth portrayed:

one realizes painfully piero has left indelible stain on medici family betrayal of florence. small covetous eyes, ignoble nose, pursed animal mouth, restraint of selfishness on it, manner in holds memorial of house s founder, though badge of honor!

contemporary biographer guido cornini notes other theories held historians: youth—who wears garments appropriate middle class—may 1 of possible designers of medal (michelozzo niccolò fiorentino, cristoforo di geremia), member of medici family (including, possibly, cosimo de medici himself) or, felt more likely, antonio botticelli, botticelli s brother. this, asserts, based on strength of likeness of youth botticelli himself, portrayed in adoration of magi. antonio botticelli had recast , gilded medals, working in court of medicis. however, have been 40 @ time of portrait.

portrait believed of giovanni il popolano, botticelli

frederick hartt suggested might lorenzo di pierfrancesco de medici (il poplano, 1463–1503), 2 portraits, both profiles on medals, vary considerably, though 1 resembles this. claimed subject of other botticelli portraits, different features (eg pitti palace, wearing chaperon).

the appearance @ auction in 1982, thomas merton collection, of seen painting botticelli of young man identified (with no real evidence) giovanni il popolano in similar pose, holding round medallion cut older painting (albeit of bearded saint, not cosimo), has led speculation might companion piece, , young man in portrait possibly brother, lorenzo di pierfrancesco de medici. (the long dark locks , facial features not dissimilar found on mercury in botticelli s primavera, presumed representation of lorenzo di pierfrancesco.) cut-out in place may not original insertion; may have been medal of cosimo. if so, meaning of medallion on heart may profession of loyalty of cadet branch of popolani branch of cosimo.

in botticelli (2004), sean connolly says critics believe young man may have been medici follower, notes subject mysterious leonardo s mona lisa. gloria fossi in uffizi gallery (2001) calls subject 1 of enigmatic models of renaissance.