Federico da Montefeltro

Federico da Montefeltro was one of the most successful condottieri (the mercenary soldier leaders or warlords) of the Italian Renaissance, and lord of Urbino until his death. Federico lost his nasal bridge and his right eye at a tournament accident - that explains his special physiognomy. He was nicknamed "The Light of Italy", for his contributions to enlightened culture, for example he supported the development of fine artists, including the early training of the young painter Raphael. Along with this portrait Piero painted Montefeltro’s wife, Battista Sforza. Both paintings are now in Galleria Uffizi in Florence.