Family of Cosimo II de' Medici
by SUSTERMANS, Justus, Oil on canvas
This family portrait brings together Cosimo II, grand duke of Florence from 1609 to 1621, his wife Maria Maddalena of Austria, and their son Ferdinando II, ruler from 1628 to 1670. The loose composition of three figures, each of whom appears independent and without a real spatial and psychological relationship with the others, is due to the fact that the painting dates back to many years later, based on models already prepared by Suttermans and his workshop
The canvas seems to be a dynastic commemoration in honour of Cosimo II, a cultured, balanced ruler, with the allegory for Justice on his armour - perhaps in reference to the symbolic role of exemplum virtutis, which inspired both Maria Maddalena in her capacity as regent and Ferdinando, his legitimate successor.
The portrait also stands out for its extraordinary display of clothing and jewels, which are also extremely interesting in terms of costume history.