War and the Muses - Velázquez’s Portrait of the Duke of Modena

In 1638, at the height of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), Duke Francesco I d’Este of Modena and much else in Italy’s Po Valley journeyed to Madrid to see King Philip IV of Spain. Earlier in the war, Francesco had supported Spain, but material rewards had been few. Fearing Francesco might opt to switch his allegiance to France, Philip was in a generous mood. He offered Francesco a substantial monetary subsidy should he continue to support Spain. Philip then sweetened the pot by making the duke a Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece, one of the most prestigious honors in chivalry, appointed him Viceroy of Catalonia, made him an admiral, and showered him with other honors. In addition, since Francesco was a notable patron of the arts, Philip commissioned Diego Velázquez to execute a monumental equestrian portrait of the duke.

Naturally, Philip also wined and dined the duke, took him hunting, held balls in his honor, and more. Meanwhile, Velázquez managed to make some sketches for the proposed heroic painting, and in preparation for the masterwork did a modest portrait of the duke, about 18-inches by 24. Not long afterwards, Francesco returned to Italy, taking this portrait with him.

The duke shortly cut a deal to support France in the war, King Louis XIII (or more likely his first minister, Cardinal Mazarin), being much more generous than Philip had been. As a result, Velázquez never executed the planned heroic equestrian painting. But the small portrait is widely considered one of the greatest works of art in the world, and makes its home in Modena.