Jan Gossaert depicted this self-possessed sitter with a red cross emblazoned on his doublet, a gem-encrusted jewel shaped like a scallop shell hanging around his neck, and an intricate hat badge. Despite such seemingly specific attributes, the man’s identity was lost until the late twentieth century, when he was recognized as Francisco de los Cobos y Molina (ca. 1475/80– 1547), the powerful secretary and advisor to Emperor Charles V. The identification was made by comparing the painting with the portrait medal of Los Cobos.
Jan Gossaert (ca. 1478–ca. 1532)
Francisco de los Cobos y Molina, ca. 1530–32
Oil on panel
Inscribed on hat badge, in Latin: Augusta Livia [wife of the Roman Emperor Augustus] V Carolus V [?]
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles; 88.PB.43
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles