19th Century Giovanni Delle Bande Nere Medici Portrait in Florentine Frame

19th Century Giovanni Delle Bande Nere Medici Portrait In Florentine Framef *talian School Watercolour After Gian Paolo Pace, Detto l’Olmo Highlights * 19th-century Italian School portrait * After Gian Paolo Pace, detto l’Olmo * Giovanni delle Bande Nere (1498–1526) * Important Medici historical subject * Possibly Florence, circa 1871 * Historic inscriptions verso * Watercolour * Pierced Florentine giltwood frame * Cheffins Fine Art provenance * Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution Introduction An atmospheric Italian watercolour depicting Giovanni delle Bande Nere, the legendary Renaissance condottiero and father of Cosimo I de’ Medici. The portrait was catalogued by Cheffins Fine Art as After Gian Paolo Pace, detto l’Olmo and follows the established Renaissance composition of Giovanni in armour. The rich crimson background and gleaming highlights across the steel armour give the portrait a striking presence. Catalogue Details: Artist / School: Italian School Attribution: After Gian Paolo Pace, detto l’Olmo Date: 19th Century, possibly circa 1871 Medium: Watercolour Sitter: Giovanni delle Bande Nere Signature: Unsigned Frame: Pierced Florentine giltwood with glass Catalogue Note The composition derives from the celebrated Renaissance portrait type associated with Gian Paolo Pace. Giovanni’s profile, armour and helmet establish his identity as a professional soldier, while his place within the Medici dynasty gives the image considerable historical interest. The Sitter Born Ludovico de’ Medici in 1498, Giovanni became one of Renaissance Italy’s celebrated condottieri. His troops became known as the Bande Nere, or Black Bands. His son Cosimo I later became Duke of Florence and the first Grand Duke of Tuscany. Historic Inscription The reverse retains extensive handwritten inscriptions, including wording appearing to read “Firenze 1871”. The portrait is therefore catalogued as possibly Florence, circa 1871, while recognising that the inscription has not been independently authenticated. Provenance Private collection. Historic inscriptions verso. Cheffins Fine Art, Cambridge, The Fine Sale, 26 March 2025, Lot 185. Acquired from the above sale. Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record. Attribution and Research The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith based upon available evidence, comparative research and published reference material. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD® Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.