Lady With An Ermine 1490 - Leonardo da Vinci

"Lady with an Ermine" is one of Leonardo da Vinci's most captivating portraits. Created around 1489-1490, this painting depicts Cecilia Gallerani, a young woman from the Milanese court who was the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Leonardo was in Milan at the time and worked closely with the Duke, producing many works of art, including the famous mural of "The Last Supper."

Key features and elements of the painting:

1. Subject: Cecilia Gallerani is depicted holding a white ermine, an animal known for its purity. She is turned in three-quarter profile, which was a favorite perspective of Leonardo's as it allowed for a dynamic portrayal of the face.

2. Ermine: The ermine, apart from its symbolism of purity, also represents Ludovico Sforza himself. His nickname was "Ermellino" (Italian for ermine) due to his Order of the Ermine.

3. Facial Expression: Like the "Mona Lisa", this portrait showcases Leonardo's expertise in capturing subtle emotions. Cecilia's expression is gentle, yet there's a certain mystery in her eyes, which adds depth to her personality.

4. Technique: Leonardo's use of sfumato (a technique of blending tones and colors) is evident in this painting. The soft transitions between light and shadow give the portrait a three-dimensional appearance.

5. Drapery: Leonardo's depiction of fabric, particularly in Cecilia's dress, showcases his meticulous attention to detail and his study of the play of light on different surfaces.

6. Hair: The detailed rendering of Cecilia's hair, flowing naturally and intricately designed, adds to the lifelike quality of the portrait.

7. Backdrop: Unlike some of his other portraits where a distant landscape can be seen, "Lady with an Ermine" has a dark, almost featureless backdrop, putting the focus entirely on the figure and the animal.

The painting is not just a testament to Leonardo's skill as a painter but also serves as a historical document of the relationship between Ludovico, Cecilia, and the politics of Milan during that period. Today, the "Lady with an Ermine" is housed in the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, Poland.

Dimensions:  4800 x 6000 inches

Print Size:  16 x 20 inches

300 dpi

Public Domain ID:  3848242