Portrait of Lorenzo Cybo
by PARMIGIANINO, Oil on canvas, 127 x 105 cm
Lorenzo Cybo (1500-1549) he was the son of Franceschetto Cybo and Maddalena de’ Medici, daughter of Lorenzo de’ Medici. His uncle was Pope Leo X and his paternal grandfather was Pope Innocent VIII. A skilled soldier, he held the position of commander-in-chief of the Papal Army.
The sitter’s straight posture and reserved gaze radiates a certain arrogance. Striking a relaxed pose, he holds a dagger and an impressive two-handed broadsword so heavy that a small, eager boy lends support.