Giuliano de' Medici (1479–1516), Duke of Nemours

Giuliano de' Medici (1479–1516), Duke of Nemours is a renowned portrait created by the Italian High Renaissance master, Raphael, sometime within the broad dating range of 1500-1599. The medium employed is a sophisticated combination of tempera and oil applied to canvas, a technique allowing for the luminosity, richness of color, and detailed layering characteristic of the High Renaissance style.

This formal portrait captures Giuliano de' Medici, Duke of Nemours, a powerful political figure and member of the ruling Medici family of Florence. Such commissions were vital for asserting status, securing alliances, and confirming lineage in the volatile climate of early 16th-century Italy. Raphael was celebrated for his ability to merge classical ideals with emotional naturalism, making his portraits highly sought after by European elites. The composition focuses intently on the individual male subject, moving beyond mere physical likeness to capture the dignity and authority of the sitter.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this important painting, confirming its enduring significance in the history of Renaissance portraiture. The work serves as a crucial document of aristocratic identity from a time when the Medici family wielded immense cultural and political power across the Italian peninsula. Although the precise attribution details within the 16th century are subject to scholarly discussion, Raphael’s distinctive technique in executing the work is evident. For academic study and general appreciation, high-quality prints of the painting are often available, leveraging its status as a public domain artwork, thereby ensuring broad access to this influential piece of art history.