Charles de Cossé (1506–1563), Comte de Brissac

Corneille de Lyon's portrait of Charles de Cossé, Comte de Brissac, from 1533 depicts a prominent French military commander who served Francis I and Henry II in the Italian Wars. Brissac would later become Governor of Piedmont and a Marshal of France, his military career spanning four decades of French involvement in Italian politics. Corneille's portrait of a known historical figure allows us to place his work within the social world of the French military aristocracy that formed a significant part of his clientele. The earl's bearing and dress mark him as a man accustomed to both court and camp — Corneille renders him with the same precision and discretion he brought to less distinguished sitters.

Corneille's precise technique renders the count's bearded features against the plain background with miniaturist clarity. The military bearing and confident expression are captured within the small format through careful modeling and direct, unflinching observation.