Art Funded by you

An elaborate Cartouche with the Medici Arms flanked by Justice and Wisdom

Bernadino Poccetti, c. 1600–1612

The Florentine artist Bernardino Barbatelli, known as Il Poccetti was a student of Michele Tosini and first employed to paint decorative grottesche on the facades of Florentine churches. This monumental design represents the Medici arms flanked by allegorical figures of Justice (with a sword) and Wisdom (with a mirror), surmounted by the grand ducal crown and a blank cartouche below. As the sheet is squared for transfer, it was evidently used, probably for an architectural stemma on the facade of a building, or possibly as part of a heraldic tapestry. This impressive composition is expressive of the emergence of the Early Baroque, and is directly associated with one of the principal Italian dynasties. It is the first work by Poccetti to be acquired by the V&A and was presented as a gift by the Art Fund (Max Hervey Bequest).

More information

Title of artwork, date

An elaborate Cartouche with the Medici Arms flanked by Justice and Wisdom, c. 1600–1612

Date supported

2008

Medium and material

Chalk, pen, ink, wash on blue paper

Dimensions

32.2 x 26.1 cm

Grant

50000

Total cost

50000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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