The portrait was executed by Luigi Manzini not long after the succession of Francesco V and is part of the usual official portraiture aimed at celebrating the Sovereign.
Francesco V is depicted three-quarter facing left, his left hand is advanced and resting on his sword while the other rests on his right side. The Duke’s gaze is directed towards the spectator and seems to be absorbed, an expression also underlined by the slightly frowning mouth. On the young face there is a faint trace of a moustache, the short black hair is coiffed with a side parting at the sides of the face. The Duke wears the uniform of the Royal Dragoon Corps and from the centre of the collar hangs the insignia of the Toson d’Oro, an honour obtained in 1836 from the Emperor. The background is neutral and dark in colour, the only objects present are placed to the left of the Duke and follow an ‘official’ compositional scheme. On a table are painted three objects that emphasise the power and qualities of the young Duke: the ‘Estense Codex’ of 1771 indicates the administration of justice in continuity with his predecessors, the staff of command symbolises military power while political power is represented by the crown.
The portrait executed by Manzini is in line with the conservative ideas of the Duke, who is depicted following the rigid ideal of the aristocracy huddling around the last sighs of the Ancien Régime.
