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The portrait of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) is one of Sustermans' most famous works. It was commissioned by Elia Diodati (1576-1661), a jurist originally from Lucca, who lived between Paris and Geneva, as well as being a great friend of Galileo's, committed to circulating his writings throughout Europe, and also planning to publish Galileo's complete works after his death.
The half bust of the figure attracts the viewer's gaze to the pale face of the subject and to his gaze outside the frame, which was both inspired and visionary at the same time. He is in a traditional listening pose, implying inspiration. But this is also a "speaking likeness' - the court painter portrayed the questioning, quarrelsome scientist with his mouth open, as if preparing a sarcastic retort.
At the time of the painting, Galileo was around 70 years old and had been forced into exile in the countryside just out of Florence, on the hill of Arcetri.
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