The painting was executed by Antonio Consetti probably as a preparatory sketch for a later portrait of Francesco III and is part of the usual official portraiture aimed at celebrating the Sovereign. It is presumably an early pictorial elaboration of the drawing kept in the Poletti Library in Modena and published in 1969 by E. Cecchi Gattolin in the volume “I disegni di Antonio Consetti (Modena 1686-1766)”.
Francesco III is depicted three-quarter facing right and in his left hand he shows to the spectator the staff of power. The Duke wears a wide, curly white wig that falls down his back, he wears shining armour furrowed by a red stole and a white lace gorget that sways in an imaginary breeze. The Duke’s brilliant and attentive gaze is directed towards the spectator, the face is characterised by the important nose while the small, rounded mouth is tightly closed. The neutral, blue-coloured background enhances the light tones of the canvas and lends light to the composition.
