• Author: Agnolo Bronzino
• Date: 1560 - 1561
• Collection: PAINTING
• Technique: Oil on panel
• Dimensions: 349 x 254 cm
• Inventory: Inv. 1890 n. 3491

This large painting was commissioned by the grand duke Cosimo I de’ Medici for the church of the Friars Minor of Portoferraio, on the island of Elba. Given the size and weight of the painting, transporting it was a complex matter and it was sent by boat, starting its travels on the Arno and continuing by sea until its arrival on Elba.

Among the numerous secondary figures in the painting, that of the solider dressed in green at the upper left stands out: it is a self-portrait of Bronzino, bearded and advanced in age, looking directly at the viewer.  The painting is signed and dated on the handle of the large green vase at lower left. The work was heavily damaged in a fire that involved most of the works of art in the church. Its restoration in 2003 brought back its light and the artist’s incredible hand.