[1] The subject of the painting is Andrea Doria, a Renaissance condottiero and admiral from Genoa, who was also the effective ruler of the city-state.

His beard is lengthy, flowing like the waves on the sea,[8] and tufts of hair on his head recall the Roman emperors.

[8] He originally held a squared oar, a symbol of his command over his own fleet, but a trident head – described by art critic Camille Paglia as "cartoonish" – was painted over it by an unknown artist.

[8] Paglia asserts that his taut, yet somewhat portly, stomach appears to direct its strength into Doria's covered penis.

[9] Jonathan Jones of The Guardian describes the painting as "consciously equat[ing] naval and sexual prowess".

For several years, he scoured the Mediterranean in command of the Genoese fleet, waging war on the Turks and the Barbary pirates.

On the expiration of his contract with Francis in 1528, Doria entered the service of Emperor Charles V. As imperial admiral, he commanded several expeditions against the Turks.

[8] The painting was commissioned for Paolo Giovio, bishop and retired papal physician, who lived near Como, and was perhaps completed around 1530.