Cresti Domenico Il Passignano

(Passignano, 1559 - Firenze, 1638)

Attributed to

The painting bears on the back in the centre an ancient brush inscription: "CAV.RE. VANAI' DEL SIGR. SIMONE LIPPI 1591" and inventory number at lower left: “N. 79”.

The effigy can clearly be recognised as a knight of the order of Saint Stephen Pope and Martyr by the cross hanging from the necklace and woven on the sleeve of the farsetto. The order, consecrated under Benedictine rule, was strongly desired by Cosimo de' Medici, Duke of Florence and Siena. Pope Pius IV decreed its constitution on 1 February 1562, entrusting its magisterium to Cosimo himself and then to his successors.