#7432 • Cesare Borgia Portrait Attributed to Raphael

Part of Collection of the de Medici Royal Family (timed auction by GWS Auctions)

Starting at $1.00

Status: No sale

Est. $700,000-$750,000 Cesare Borgia Original Portrait Attributed to Raphael - This piece is the only known portrait in existence of Cesare Borgia of the Borgia family, one of the most famous names of the Italian Renaissance. Cesare Borgia was an Italian condottiero, nobleman, politician, and cardinal, whose fight for power was a major inspiration for "The Prince" by Machiavelli. This piece is attributed to Raphael, as it is said to be a copy of the 1700s portrait of Borgia by Raphael that was lost. This is said to be the only portrait of Borgia, one of the greatest princes of the Italian Renaissance. This is a spectacular painting, similar in motif and style as the Raphael piece which hung in the Palazzo Venetia in Rome until the 1940s. The painting measures approx. 27 x 20 cm (10.6" x 7.9") and depicts Cesare Borgia painted on canvas relined with backboard. The piece has been professionally framed in an ornate wooden frame. Raphael has painted several smaller portraits of famous noble soldiers similar in size to this piece, such as “St. George and the Dragon”, which is now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This piece was likely painted in Northern Europe, where smaller painted portraits were common. During the Renaissance at the time of Cesare Borgia the portraits were made during the military campaign, and so they were often small so that they could easily be traveled with. This is an incredibly rare portrait that truly belongs with the most astute collector or historian. What makes this piece even more special is the fact that there are not many known portraits to have been ever painted of Borgia, as he was one of the most mysterious figures of his time. Artists such as Leonardo DaVinci and Raphael would have only short possibilities to meet Borgia or members of his family, as he was nearly always traveling for war. This piece comes from the collection of a Swedish baron, whose family has said that the painting has been passed down through their family since the mid 1800s. They have also stated that the painting was exhibited at the Museum of Sweden in 1940, and that the painting has been in Sweden for at least 115 years.