The painting was executed by the Flemish artist Justus Suttermans, already an official portraitist at the Medici court in Florence, who, thanks to his excellent artistic qualities, was invited several times to the Este court in Modena, where he executed several portraits for the dukes.
Alfonso IV is depicted in a typical ‘parade’ effigy that was the public image of a sovereign or prince in which the virtues and nobility of the subject are celebrated. The composition is characterised by a diagonal cut, in fact the prince is painted in three-quarter profile standing with his body and face slightly turned to the right. His gaze is turned away from the painting and, although proud and intense, he reveals his young age, which is concealed by his thick, curly wig. The future duke is dressed in shining armour, the sash of a military commander is proudly displayed on his breastplate, his left hand grasps the broadsword on his belt while his other hand rests on his right flank, giving him a haughty air. His figure occupies the entire space of the painting, in the background appears a dark red drape and on the other side a column.
