The artwork titled “Cosimo I de Medici surrounded by his Architects, Engineers and Sculptors” was created by Giorgio Vasari in the year 1555. Executed in the medium of fresco, this piece belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and falls within the genre of portraiture. This distinguished artwork is prominently housed in the Palazzo Vecchio (Palazzo della Signoria) in Florence, Italy.
The artwork portrays Cosimo I de Medici, a significant political and cultural figure, positioned at the center surrounded by a group of his architects, engineers, and sculptors. These attendants are engaged in various acts of presenting plans, models, and consultations, indicating their essential roles in Renaissance art and architecture under Medici’s patronage. Encircled by an ornate, golden frame, the fresco exhibits the elaborate and intricate design characteristics of the Mannerist period. The grandeur of Cosimo I is emphasized by his central placement, elaborate attire, and the attentive expressions of the surrounding figures, showcasing the reverence and respect held for him by his contemporaries.
