Niccolo' Machiavelli

Title:  Niccolo' Machiavelli Year: 2014

Description:  (1469 - 1527) Italian politician. Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli was an Italian historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, humanist, and writer based in Florence during the Renaissance. Heralded as one of the founders of modern political science, and more specifically political ethics, he was for many years an official in the Florentine Republic, with responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. He also wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry.

Titled "Niccolo' Machiavelli," this impressive piece measures 60"x48" and is executed in acrylic on canvas. The artwork features a compelling blend of historical portraiture and abstract elements that draws the viewer into a captivating narrative. At the core of the composition stands a figure dressed in traditional Renaissance attire, depicted with lifelike precision. The subject wears a black coat with voluminous red sleeves and holds a book in one hand, reminiscent of Renaissance portraits and suggestive of intellectual pursuits. 
Contrasting the detailed central figure, the background is a vibrant mix of abstract elements in reddish and green hues. These abstract components comprise blurred images interspersed with a striking green vertical streak, adding a dynamic and almost surreal quality to the scene. The interplay of realistic detailing with fluid, abstract forms creates a unique juxtaposition that is both visually engaging and thought-provoking.
This piece is inspired by Niccolo' Machiavelli, invoking the essence of his persona through the foreground imagery, while the background includes symbolic representations from his seminal work, "The Prince." The artist's process was distinctive in integrating a realistic portrayal of Machiavelli with interpretative background elements, creating a rich visual dialogue that invites viewers to explore the layers of history and abstraction.

Collection: Societa' Dante Alighieri, Miami, Florida