Cosimo II de Medici; Italy, 19th century.

Cosimo II de Medici; Italy, XIX century.
Blued bronze.
Measurements: 83 x 52 x 22 cm.
Bronze bust representing the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo II de Medici (1590-1621). The model on which this piece is inspired corresponds to a sculpture by the artist Chiarissimo Fancelli. The original, made of marble, is located on the keystone of the arch that acts as the entrance to the famous Loggia del Grano in Florence. The construction of this grain market began in 1619, under the patronage of Cosimo de Medici. Giulio Parigi, architect, realized the building, while Fancello, realized the bust and a fountain that is placed in one of the corners of the loggia. The bust, which inspired this bronze work, shows Cosimo wearing the Cross of St. Stephen, as in the present sculpture. However, the differences are notable, in this case the Cross of St. Stephen hangs from an ornament that represents a bearded and winged head, also the face without a mustache in the present sculpture indicates that it is a much younger Cosimo. Although it should be noted that both sculptures retain the regal bearing, the look and the haughty pose.
Chiarissimo d'Antonio Fancelli (Italy, 1588- 1632) was an Italian sculptor and architect of the late Mannerist and Baroque periods, mainly active in Tuscany. Domenico Pieratti and Giovanni Battista Pieratti were his pupils. It is unclear how he fits into the great pedigree of Tuscan sculptors, including Cosimo and Luca Fancelli.