Portraits of Federico da Montefeltro and Battista Sforza

Piero della Francesca painted these portraits of Federico da Montefeltro and his wife Battista Sforza around 1472. The Duke and Duchess of Urbino face each other in strict profile against panoramic landscapes, their features rendered with geometric precision. Federico's famous broken nose and scarred cheek, from a jousting accident, appear without flattery.

The profile format recalls ancient Roman coins and medals, lending classical dignity to these Renaissance rulers. Behind them, the Umbrian landscape stretches to distant hills, emphasizing their dominion. The reverse panels show allegorical triumphs, with the couple seated on chariots surrounded by virtues.

The Uffizi displays both portraits facing each other, reuniting the husband and wife across centuries.