Portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli

What it is

This painting shows Niccolò Machiavelli in profile, wearing a dark cap and a red-orange cloak over a white collar. It was painted by Antonio Maria Crespi Castoldi in the first half of the 17th century, long after Machiavelli's death. A painted label across the top reads "MACHIAVELLO HISTORICO," identifying him as a historian.

Why it matters

Because it was made about a century after Machiavelli died, this portrait is not a direct record of his appearance but reflects how he was remembered and presented in later generations — here, emphasizing his role as a historian rather than only as a political theorist.

Look closer

• Why do you think the artist labeled Machiavelli as a historian rather than, say, a diplomat or writer?
• What might this portrait tell us about how Machiavelli's reputation changed after his death?
• Since this was painted long after Machiavelli lived, how reliable do you think it is as a record of his actual appearance?