Frédéric Duc d’Urbin in Ceremony – Renaissance Portrait of Power and Learning
This exquisite hand-colored print, numbered MCCCC No.78, portrays Frédéric Duc d’Urbin (Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino), one of the most celebrated condottieri and humanist patrons of the Italian Renaissance. Known for his intellect, military prowess, and deep commitment to the arts and education, Federico is shown here in a richly symbolic scene that blends martial authority with scholarly devotion.
Seated in profile, the Duke holds an open red codex, symbolizing his intellectual pursuits and his reputation as a Renaissance prince of learning. Dressed in ornate courtly attire with crimson robes edged in gold and a suit of gleaming armor partially visible beneath, he embodies the ideal of the soldier-scholar. His breastplate and greaves reflect his role as a formidable military commander, while the calm and composed manner in which he reads suggests the contemplative nature of a ruler who governed not just by force, but by reason and strategy.
At his side stands a youthful page or possibly his son Guidobaldo, holding a scepter and dressed in ceremonial gold, further underlining the dynastic continuity and noble stature of the house of Urbino. Above and behind the Duke, a mitre sits on a decorative stand, referencing the close ties between Federico’s secular authority and the ecclesiastical hierarchy, possibly alluding to his support of the Church or his role in papal military campaigns.
The print is composed like a historical stage scene, complete with architectural framing and symbolic objects—such as the closed helmet resting at the Duke’s feet—that reinforce the multifaceted identity of its subject: warrior, father, and patron of the arts. The detailed rendering and harmonious palette make this one of the most refined and narrative-rich plates in the series.
Condition: Good condition with strong coloring, particularly in the red, gold, and armor tones. Minor foxing visible in the lower margin but not affecting the image area. The sheet is clean, with no tears or folds, and the plate impression is crisp.
Framing Tips: This vertical composition benefits from a classic presentation with a wide ivory mat and dark wood or antique gilt frame to highlight the historical grandeur. Float-mounting the sheet within the mat will enhance the plate mark and underscore its authenticity. Museum-grade UV-filtering glass is recommended to protect the vibrancy of the hand-applied colors. This piece would stand out in a study, library, or room focused on Renaissance art or leadership themes.
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