The historical case of Giulio Clovio (Julije Klović, 1498-1578): anatomo-clinical analysis and differential diagnosis

Veronica Papa^1,2*, Elena Varotto^2,3,4, Mario Novak⁵, Antonio Ascione⁶, Francesco Maria Galassi^2,3

¹University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy - ²Forensic Anthropology, Paleopathology and Bioarchaeology (FAPAB) Research Center, Avola, Italy - ³Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia - ⁴University of Catania, Catania, Sicily, Italy ^{- 5}Centre for Applied Bioanthropology, Institute for Anthropological Research, Zagreb, Croatia - ⁶University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy

Introduction: Blepharitis is a common chronic inflammatory process of the eyelid margin that may be associated with several systemic conditions. Symptoms associated with blepharitis include burning sensation, irritation, tearing, photophobia, blurred vision, and red eyes. Moreover, red eye and conjunctivitis-blepharitis are among the most common ocular diseases in elderly patients and may be described in association with ocular rosacea.

Case presentation: In the paper that follows, the authors detail and discuss the case of Giulio Clovio (Julije Klović, 1498-1578), the famous 15th century Croatian miniaturist. His portrait, clearly showing this common ocular condition, was painted by El Greco in 1570/1571 and is currently exhibited in the Capodimonte Museum in Naples, Italy (inv #Q191). The differential diagnosis of staphylococcal blepharitis secondary to rosacea has been suggested on the basis of the clinical history derived from the reassessment of historical sources as well as the accurate examination of the painting. 

Conclusion: The possibility of ocular rosacea should be considered in evaluating an elderly patient with persistent red eye and relapsing conjunctivitis-blepharitis.