Portrait of Giovanni Battista di Castaldo

The sitter of this portrait, Giovanni Battista di Castaldo, was an illustrious Neapolitan soldier who fought in the service of Charles V and took part in important military actions such as the Battle of Pavia and the victory at M�hlberg. He is shown standing with his sword at his side and the cross of the Order of Santiago on his breast. The dignity of his character, looking out at the viewer with a lofty and distant expression, is reflected in his pose and deportment as well as in his plain but luxurious dress.