Despite his unorthodox love life, Ferdinando II is well-liked for his genuine concern for his people and his scientific patronage. However, Tuscany is in decline, and the seeds for the dynasty’s extinction have already been planted.
A portrait of Grand Duke Ferdinando II by Justus Sustermans circa 1640 (Source: Pitti Palace). Ferdinando II with his mother, siblings, and children. From left to right: Mattias, Gian Carlo, Francesco, Ferdinando (wearing the cross of Saint Stephen);, Maria Magdalena, Maria Christina, Marguerita, Anna, and Leopoldo, 1622 or 1623. Artist unknown. (Source: Musée Ingres-Bourdelle, Montauban). One of a series of depictions of Ganymede by Baldassare Franceschini (date unknown), possibly with Ferdinando II’s lover, Count Bruto di Tebaldo Annibaldi della Molara. (Source: Private collection).
The Medici Podcast 