Giovanni Delle Bande Nere – 19Th Century Italian Medici Oil Portrait

**Giovanni Delle Bande Nere – 19th Century Italian Medici Portrait**

*After Gian Paolo Pace, Detto l’Olmo, in a Pierced Florentine Giltwood Frame*

**Highlights**

* 19th-century Italian School
* After Gian Paolo Pace, detto l’Olmo
* Historic Medici portrait
* Giovanni delle Bande Nere in armour
* Watercolour
* Possibly Florence, circa 1871
* Historic inscriptions verso
* Exceptional pierced Florentine giltwood frame
* Cheffins Fine Art provenance

**Introduction**

A highly decorative 19th-century Italian portrait of Giovanni delle Bande Nere, celebrated Renaissance soldier and father of Cosimo I de’ Medici.

The work follows the historic Renaissance portrait type associated with Gian Paolo Pace and was catalogued by Cheffins Fine Art as After Gian Paolo Pace, detto l’Olmo.

Giovanni is represented in profile wearing dark polished armour against rich crimson drapery, with his military helmet prominently positioned beside him.

**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

Frame: Pierced Florentine giltwood with protective glass

**Catalogue Note**

The composition derives from one of the enduring Renaissance images of the Medici condottiero.

The brilliantly highlighted armour contrasts dramatically with the dark background, while the ornate Florentine frame gives the intimate portrait exceptional decorative presence.

**Historic Inscription**

Historic handwriting remains verso and appears to include “Firenze 1871”.

The inscription is recorded as potentially indicating Florence and the year 1871, although this 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®.

**Dimensions**

Height: 24.5 cm

Width: 23 cm

Depth: 2.5 cm

**Condition Report**

Good historic condition. Foxing, staining and minor localised surface loss consistent with age. Giltwood frame with rubbing, scuffs, cracking and localised losses. Protective glass present.

**Worldwide Shipping**

Professional packing and insured worldwide delivery available.

**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 and attribution analysis presented here represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith based upon available evidence and comparative research.

**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.