Portrait of Lodovico III Gonzaga

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Ludovico III Gonzaga of Mantua, also spelled Lodovico, ruled Italy's city of Mantua from 1444 until his death in 1478. Two identical busts featuring him exist, showcasing two stages of his life: youthful and aged. These works were prominently displayed at the Detroit Institute of Arts in "Italian Renaissance Sculpture in the Time of Donatello" (Detroit, 1985). Until 1958, art historians considered the Berlin bust a masterpiece by Donatello due to its similarities with other works attributed to him. However, a closer examination reveals significant differences in style, such as those found in his famous "Head of Gattamelata," created between 1447 and 1453. The Detroit Institute attributes this bust to Alberti based on stylistic connections to his self-portrait medallions, suggesting possible origins from Mantua.