Portrait of Federico da Montefeltro

Piero della Francesca's portrait of Federico da Montefeltro — likely the left wing of the famous Uffizi diptych or a related single-panel version — presents the Duke of Urbino in the strict profile format that the broken bridge of his nose, lost eye, and powerful jaw made so distinctive. Federico was Piero's most important patron, and their relationship produced several of the defining works of Italian Renaissance art, including the Montefeltro altarpiece in Milan and the Flagellation of Christ in Urbino. The profile portrait format, revived from ancient coin and medal practice by humanist painters, suited Federico's desire to present himself as a ruler in the ancient Roman mode — military commander, man of culture, possessor of classical virtus.

Piero's handling of the profile emphasizes the geometric clarity that is the hallmark of his entire oeuvre: the silhouette of Federico's face against the aerial-perspective landscape behind is as precisely determined as a mathematical demonstration. His paint builds the flesh in cool, even layers that give the skin a monumental, almost sculptural quality.