In a spectacular portrait painted by the Italian artist Agnolo Bronzino around 1545, we see Eleonora di Toledo, the second Duchess of Florence, seated beside her young son. We explore Eleonora’s role in consolidating Medici power during a transformative period in Florentine history. Through her sumptuous Spanish-style dress and composed demeanor, Bronzino presents Eleonora as both an emblem of dynastic strength and a model of female dignity. Beyond her image, we consider her political skills, savvy economic management, and cultural patronage, showing how she helped shape the Medici legacy and redefined women’s public roles in Renaissance Florence.

Main image: Bronzino, Portrait of Eleonora di Toledo with Her Son Giovanni, 1544–45, oil on panel, 115 x 96 cm. Uffizi Gallery, Florence.

Speaker: Dr. Heather Graham

CHAPTERS

0:00 Introduction to Bronzino’s Portrait

0:25 Who’s that girl? Eleonora di Toledo

0:41 Early Life in Spain and Naples

1:08 Marriage to Cosimo I de’ Medici

1:20 Establishing Medici Power in Florence

2:10 Fashion and Symbolism

2:28 A Mother and Protector of the Dynasty

3:10 A Woman of Authority in Florence

4:10 Eleonora’s Cultural Patronage

Learn more

• Discover more about the Italian Renaissance: https://www.artsq.org/italian-renaissance-art-history

• Check out more of our resources about world history, art history, and archaeology: https://www.artsq.org