Portrait of Giovanna Chevara and Giovanni Montalvo
Artistfollower of
Agnolo Bronzino
(Italian, 1503–1572)
Dateabout 1560–1565
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensionspanel: 102.2 x 81.3 cm (40 1/4 x 32 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1910.20
Label TextAn inscription on the back of this panel identifies the sitter as Giovanna Chevara, wife of Antonio Montalvo, a Spaniard in the service of Eleonora of Toledo, Duchess of Florence. Chevara had five sons, of whom this boy is presumably the eldest, born in 1558.
Over time, changes to the pigments in Chevara’s outer garment due to light exposure and other environmental influences have altered the original color scheme. The background would have been a deeper purple and the jacket would have been a deep mauve, set off with bands of blue or green over a red brocade (silk with metal threads), probably imported from Spain.ProvenanceFamily of the sitter, Florence; sold to Messrs. Sully & Co., London; to James S. Inglis; Cottier Gallery, New York, NY; sold to the Museum, 1911.On View
On viewCollections
Frans van Mieris
1662
