Titian: Portrait of Alfonso d'Avalos in Armor with a Page (1533)

(Getty Center, Los Angeles, USA)

A painting by the Italian artist Tiziano Vecelli (1485/90-1576), better known as 'Titian'. The man shown here is Alfonso d'Avalos d'Aquino, 6th marquis of Pescara and 2nd of Vasto (1502 – 1546). Alfonso d'Avalos d'Aquino came from a Spanish-Neapolitan family and served in the Spanish-Habsburg Imperial army. He served as governor of the Duchy of Milan from 1538-1546 (the former independent duchy of Milan came under Spanish-Habsburg rule from 1526 until 1714). During the Italian War of 1542–46 Alfonso commanded the Imperial Spanish-Habsburg army in Italy. For his service he was rewarded with a Knighthood in the Order of the Golden Fleece. Titian shown Alfonso dressed in an elaborate armor, wearing the Golden Fleece order's royal collar, with a page looking up to him. Painting from 1533.