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FRANCESCO I DE’ MEDICI (1541 - 1587) The alchemist Grand Duke
THE SPACE The original wooden ceiling tells a beautiful story connecting to the making of Palazzo Portinari Salviati. The upper layer begins with the Portinari coat of arms of two lions holding a gate, which possibly dates from the 16th century. The lower section includes the more recent embellishment, most noticeably the presence of the Salviati coat of arms, displaying red and white stripes and dating from the late 16th century. Above the historic pietra serena stone fireplace is the painting of a pomegranate tree in bloom representing life and eternity. Behind the gold and emerald green curtains are the newly discovered mural paintings of seashell and elegant motifs on the wall. One of the most historical and majestic rooms in Palazzo Portinari Salviati, it is now dedicated to Francesco I de’ Medici, the eldest son of Cosimo I and the second Grand Duke of Tuscany.
PORTRAIT OF FRANCESCO I DE’ MEDICI
17th century, oil on canvas, inspired by a 16th-century painting done by Scipione Pulzon, which is currently in the Uffizi Gallery. In the lower left corner of the portrait are the Medici crown and sceptre, a symbol of power used by the Grand Duke.
