Portrait of Francesco Gonzaga
by MANTEGNA, Andrea, Tempera on wood, 25 x 18 cm
The Gonzaga family turned continuously to Mantegna to paint their portraits, to make pictures that were given as diplomatic gifts, and to decorate the most important areas of their residences. A young member of the family - probably Francesco, the first Gonzaga cardinal - is represented at an age between childhood and adolescence in this small portrait.
During the Quattrocento the standard portrait format was the bust in profile, adopted from classical medallions.