Items Similar to Pair 18th Century Eleanora & M. Magdalena Medici Wax Portraits On Slate

Pair of 19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Barbotine Figural Wall Plaques

Pair of Vintage Framed Portraits, c. 19th Century

Pair of framed antique circular porcelain portrait plaques

Pair of Hand Painted Medici Portraits on Carved Wood Panels, c. 1930's

Two Limoges Enamel Paintings Including Portrait of Henry VIII

Pair of French Louis XV Style 19th Century Ladies Portraits

Want more images or videos?

Request additional images or videos from the seller

1 of 10

Pair 18th Century Eleanora & M. Magdalena Medici Wax Portraits On Slate

$4,800per set

£3,686.19per set

€4,224.33per set

CA$6,757.21per set

A$7,569.57per set

CHF 3,937.12per set

MX$92,333.17per set

NOK 50,124.76per set

SEK 47,264.07per set

DKK 31,529.26per set

About the Item

Eleanora & M. Magdalena Dei Medici Wax Portraits on Slate Measures: 4.5" DA 18th Century or Earlier Wax Portraits of Eleonora de' Medici and Maria Magdalena de' Medici in Ormolu Frames with Convex Glass This exquisite pair of wax portrait reliefs on slate depicts Eleonora de' Medici (1567–1611) and Maria Magdalena de' Medici (1575–1626), two notable women of the illustrious Medici family. Each portrait is housed in an elegant ormolu (gilt bronze) frame with convex glass, measuring 4.5 inches in diameter. The finely detailed wax portraits showcase vibrant period attire adorned with delicate jewelry, ruffled collars, and carefully coiffed hair, reflecting the noble status and refined aesthetic of the late Renaissance. The wax medium, expertly modeled, demonstrates a sophisticated artistry popular in the 18th century, though these pieces could potentially be earlier, given the subject matter and style. Wax portraiture on slate became fashionable during the 18th century as part of the neoclassical revival, celebrating Renaissance figures such as the Medici family. The ormolu frames and convex glass suggest these works were highly valued, designed for display in an elite interior setting. Eleonora de' Medici, daughter of Grand Duke Francesco I de' Medici and Joanna of Austria, was known for her patronage of the arts and refined taste. Her marriage to Vincenzo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, positioned her as a key figure in Italian court life, where she played a significant role in cultural diplomacy. Her younger sister, Maria Magdalena de' Medici, became Grand Duchess of Tuscany through her marriage to Cosimo II de' Medici. Maria Magdalena acted as regent for her son, Ferdinando II, and was influential in maintaining Medici power during a critical period in Florentine history. This rare pair of portraits offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to own works that honor two prominent Renaissance women, encapsulated in finely preserved frames that highlight the enduring legacy of the Medici family. Further Notes: Eleonora de' Medici (1567–1611) and Maria Magdalena de' Medici (1575–1626) were notable members of the powerful House of Medici, a family that played a pivotal role in the political, cultural, and artistic life of Renaissance Florence and Tuscany. As daughters of Francesco I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Joanna of Austria, they were central figures in European aristocracy, often involved in strategic marriages and alliances that shaped the political landscape of the time. Eleonora de' Medici (1567–1611) Eleonora, known for her beauty and intelligence, was a Medici princess who embodied the sophistication and influence of her family. In 1584, she married Vincenzo I Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, aligning the Medici family with the Gonzagas, another significant ruling house in Italy. This union strengthened the political power of both families. Eleonora's marriage brought cultural exchanges between Florence and Mantua, influencing the arts, literature, and music. She was known for her patronage of the arts and her refined taste, typical of the Medici women who played essential roles in promoting Renaissance culture. Maria Magdalena de' Medici (1575–1626) Maria Magdalena was equally significant, though her influence was primarily within the Tuscan court. In 1608, she married Cosimo II de' Medici, her cousin and the Grand Duke of Tuscany. As Grand Duchess of Tuscany, Maria Magdalena played a vital role in court life and politics. She was a patron of science and the arts, supporting figures like Galileo Galilei, who dedicated some of his works to the Medici family. Maria Magdalena also acted as regent for her son, Ferdinando II de' Medici, after Cosimo II's death, demonstrating her political acumen and leadership. The Medici Legacy The Medici women, including Eleonora and Maria Magdalena, were more than just symbols of dynastic alliances; they were patrons of the Renaissance, fostering the growth of the arts and sciences that defined the era. Their portraits, such as the wax bas-reliefs on slate, celebrate their enduring legacy as cultural icons and political influencers. These portraits highlight not only their regal appearances but also their roles in shaping the artistic and intellectual heritage of Tuscany and beyond.

Dimensions:

Height: 0.25 in (6.35 mm)Diameter: 4.5 in (11.43 cm)

Sold As:

Set of 2

Style:

Baroque (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Glass,Slate

Place of Origin:

Italy

Period:

18th Century

Date of Manufacture:

18th Century or Older

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.

Seller Location:

West Palm Beach, FL

Reference Number:

Seller: SDHU5T14561stDibs: LU2592338828482

More From This Seller

View All

Pair of Antique English Grand Tour Portrait Plaques "Hera & Rhodus"

By Hancock & Son

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of antique English grand tour portrait 12" Plaques, "Hera & Rhodus". Both by Hancock A Son, Worcester with remnants of exhibition labels, in l...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Grand Tour Porcelain

Materials

Composition

Pair of Antique English Grand Tour Portrait Plaques "Hera & Rhodus"

$1,200 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Pair of English Regency Framed Ormolu Portrait Plaques of St. Paul & Socrates

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of English Regency framed ormolu portrait plaques of St. Paul & Socrates Exceptional quality and casting, beautifully framed with convex glass. Each plaque is mounted in a circu...

Category

Antique 19th Century English Regency Wall-mounted Sculptures

Materials

Ormolu

Pair of English Regency Framed Ormolu Portrait Plaques of St. Paul & Socrates

$1,421 Sale Price / set

25% Off

A Pair of 19th C Italian Renaissance Style Majolica Portrait Chargers

By Cantagalli

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of 19th-century Italian Renaissance Style Majolica portrait chargers Style of Cantagalli: One dish has two minor 'flea-bite' chips to the back, not...

Category

Antique 19th Century Italian Renaissance Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

A Pair of 19th C Italian Renaissance Style Majolica Portrait Chargers

$1,195 / set

Near Pair of Old Master Romantic Portraits

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Near pair of old master romantic portraits Each one with two hugging period dressed couples, unsigned Measures: Male facing right 8" x 10.5" can...

Category

Antique 19th Century European Paintings

Materials

Giltwood

Near Pair of Old Master Romantic Portraits

$938 Sale Price / set

24% Off

Pair of 18th C. Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Leather Figures of Merchants

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of 18th-Century Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Figures of Merchant Men in Leather A rare and expressive pair of 18th-century Italian Baroque crèche figures, likely originati...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Baroque Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Leather, Wood

Pair of 18th C. Italian Baroque Neapolitan Crèche Leather Figures of Merchants

$3,760 / set

Pair of Antique French Bronze Appliqués Depicting Art and Music

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Pair of antique French bronze appliqués depicting art and music, each one finely cast draped putto one holding an artists palette the other a lute. Art measures: 10.5" H x 6" W Mus...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Baroque Revival Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique French Bronze Appliqués Depicting Art and Music

$476 Sale Price / set

20% Off

Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Decorative Art

Materials

Ceramic, Majolica

Pair of 19th Century French Hand Painted Ceramic Barbotine Figural Wall Plaques

$1,200 / set

Pair of Vintage Framed Portraits, c. 19th Century

Located in Napa, CA

Pair of vintage oil paintings, circa 19th century in gilded frames.

Category

Antique 19th Century Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Wood, Giltwood

Pair of Vintage Framed Portraits, c. 19th Century

$14,000 / set

Pair of framed antique circular porcelain portrait plaques

Located in London, GB

These two porcelain plaques have been expertly painted to show portraits of a young girl and a young boy, and are set within circular brass frames. The girl wears a light blue coat...

Category

Antique 19th Century Austrian Paintings

Materials

Brass

Pair of framed antique circular porcelain portrait plaques

$2,438 / set

Pair of Hand Painted Medici Portraits on Carved Wood Panels, c. 1930's

Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Pair of early 20th Century Medici portraits hand-painted on carved wood wall plaques. The handmade panels have a black lacquered finish with gold leaf details and feature rounded co...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Renaissance Contemporary Art

Materials

Wood

Pair of Hand Painted Medici Portraits on Carved Wood Panels, c. 1930's

$3,900

Two Limoges Enamel Paintings Including Portrait of Henry VIII

By Hans Holbein

Located in London, GB

These exquisite portrait plaques were made in the French town of Limoges, which is renowned for the fine quality of its enamel wares. The panels have been painted with oval, half-length portraits of British Tudor monarchs...

Category