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

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