\paperw19995 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 In this triple portrait, which Leo X sent to Florence as a token of his goodwill for the marriage of his nephew Lorenzo, the
composition appears to be laid out on a diagonal.\par
Following the imaginary line that runs along the edge of the table and then down the left arms of the pope and the cardinal behind him, the observer is led into the scene, which extends beyond the c
onfines of the picture.\par
Even the figure of Cardinal deÆ Rossi, who is gazing distractedly past the edge of the frame, contributes to the viewerÆs feeling of involvement.\par
There is also a silent exchange between the other figure and Leo X, who ha
s stopped reading the codex lying open on the table in front of him and turned his eyes toward Cardinal deÆ Medici.\par
The figures seem to emerge out of the gloom, while the reflections on the knob of the armchair, in which it is possible to make out t
he shape of a window, suggest their actual surroundings.\par
Great care has been taken in depicting the objects and details, so that the painting is able to capture the richness of the damasks, silks and ermines, the illuminated letters of the book and
the silver bell decorated with a classical plant motif.
