Priya Kapoor
Lady with an Ermine, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, the teenage mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Gallerani was renowned for her beauty, scholarship, and poetry. The painting is one of only four portraits of women by Leonardo, the others being the Mona Lisa, the portrait of Ginevra de' Benci, and La Belle Ferronnière. It is painted in oils on a panel of walnut wood and measures 40.3 cm by 54.8 cm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Leonardo da Vinci |
| Year | c. 1489–1491 |
| Medium | Oil on walnut board |
| Dimensions | 40.3 cm x 54.8 cm |
| Location | Czartoryski Museum, Kraków, Poland |
| Subject | Cecilia Gallerani, mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan |
| Symbolism | The ermine is a symbol of moderation and purity; it also alludes to the mythical birth of Heracles and the Order of the Ermine (a type of knighthood) granted to Ludovico Sforza by the King of Naples in 1488 |
| Ownership History | Purchased by Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski in Italy around 1798-1800; presented to his mother, Princess Izabella, who founded the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków |
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What You'll Learn
The painting's size is 40.3 cm wide and 54.8 cm high
Lady with an Ermine, a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, has dimensions of 40.3 cm in width and 54.8 cm in height. The painting is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Lodovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. It is believed that Leonardo created this artwork during his service to the Duke, around the time he was romantically involved with Cecilia.
The painting is executed in oils on a walnut wood panel. The wood panel is relatively small, and Leonardo's choice of walnut wood is notable as it was not commonly used by other artists in Lombardy. The walnut wood panel measures 40.3 cm by 54.8 cm, which is a compact size for a portrait. This size contributes to the intimate and captivating nature of the artwork.
The painting's dimensions are important to consider in relation to its subject matter and composition. The portrait is a three-quarter profile, with Cecilia turned towards her right at a three-quarter angle, but with her face turned towards her left. This positioning allows for an intriguing interplay of light and shadow, as the light source is suggested to be coming from the right side of the painting. The compact dimensions of the painting enhance the sense of intimacy and closeness to the subject.
The painting's size also contributes to its overall impact and influence. Despite its relatively small dimensions, Lady with an Ermine is considered one of the most important works in Western art. It is one of only a handful of authentic panel paintings by Leonardo da Vinci that survive today. The painting's size has not diminished its significance or impact on the art world.
The painting's dimensions have also played a role in its history and preservation. Lady with an Ermine was brought to Poland from Italy in 1798 by Adam George Czartoryski and is now housed at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków. The painting's compact size may have made it easier to transport and preserve over the years. Overall, the dimensions of Lady with an Ermine are an integral part of its artistic, historical, and cultural significance.
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It was painted on a single piece of walnut wood
Lady with an Ermine is a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. It is one of only four surviving portraits of women painted by Leonardo, the others being Ginevra de' Benci, La Belle Ferronnière, and the Mona Lisa. The painting is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, the teenage mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the regent and later Duke of Milan. Leonardo was in the service of the duke at the time of the painting's execution. Gallerani was renowned for her beauty, scholarship, and poetry. She was also a member of a large family that was neither wealthy nor noble.
The painting was executed with oil paints on a single piece of walnut wood. Leonardo recommended and favored walnut wood, though it was not commonly used by other artists in Lombardy. The wood is thin, measuring about 4-5 millimeters (0.16-0.20 inches) in thickness. It is most likely from the same tree as the wood for his later portrait, La Belle Ferronnière. The Lady with an Ermine is also connected to La Belle Ferronnière, as well as Leonardo's earlier Portrait of a Musician, due to the three paintings including black backgrounds. The painting measures 54 cm by 39 cm (21 inches by 15 inches) and is currently housed at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland.
The painting is an important work in the history of Western art, as it is considered to be the first modern portrait, surpassing the traditions of its time. It is also one of Poland's national treasures. The painting was purchased in 2016 from the Czartoryski Foundation by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage for the National Museum in Kraków and has been on display in the museum's main building since 2017. The portrait was originally acquired in Italy around 1798-1800 by Prince Czartoryski, who later presented it to his mother, Princess Izabela.
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It is one of Poland's national treasures
Lady with an Ermine is one of Poland's national treasures. The painting, by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci, is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, mistress of Lodovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Gallerani was just 16 when she posed for the painting, which was created between 1489 and 1490. Gallerani holds an ermine, a symbol of chastity, which may also allude to Sforza's nickname, "Ermellino Bianco" (White Ermine), earned when he was presented with the Order of the Ermine by the King of Naples in 1488.
The painting is executed in oils on a walnut wood panel and measures 54.8 cm by 40.3 cm. It is housed at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków and was acquired by the museum in 1798. The museum was founded by Princess Izabela Czartoryska, a key figure in preserving and promoting Polish culture during a period when Poland was partitioned between Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Her son, Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski, purchased the painting during a trip to Italy. The Czartoryski family's dedication to preserving Polish culture and collecting European masterpieces ensured that the painting would become part of Poland's national heritage.
In 1800, the painting was incorporated into the Czartoryski family collections at Puławy, where it became a cultural hub, housing treasures symbolic of Poland's rich history. The family's efforts to safeguard the painting during times of political upheaval and war further attest to its significance as a national treasure. After the November Uprising of 1830 against Russian rule, the family faced persecution and was forced to relocate the painting to avoid confiscation. During World War II, the painting was discovered by Allied troops in Bavaria and returned to Poland in 1946.
In 2016, the Polish government purchased the Czartoryski Collection, including Lady with an Ermine, for over 100 million euros. This acquisition ensured that the painting would remain accessible to the public and continue to be cherished as a national treasure. The painting's journey to Poland and its enduring presence in the country attest to its importance as a cultural artifact and a source of national pride.
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The subject of the painting is Cecilia Gallerani
Lady with an Ermine, a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, features Cecilia Gallerani as its subject. Gallerani was the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, and the painting is believed to have been created during this time. Gallerani was renowned for her beauty, intellect, and poetry, and she was a member of a large family that was neither wealthy nor noble. She was born in 1473 in Milan into a family of modest nobility, with her father, Fazio Gallerani, serving as a prominent court official under the Sforza family.
Gallerani's association with Leonardo da Vinci and her presence in one of his most famous paintings have ensured her enduring legacy. She is known to have posed for the painting and even invited Leonardo to meetings of Milanese intellectuals, which she presided over. Gallerani's intelligence and cultural contributions exemplify the dynamic spirit of the Renaissance, intersecting with art, politics, and culture.
The painting, housed in the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland, is a Renaissance masterpiece. It is a captivating image of exquisite elegance, revealing the artistic genius of Leonardo da Vinci's incomparable creative mind. The painting is executed in oils on a walnut wood panel, measuring 54.8 cm in height and 40.3 cm in width.
The ermine in the painting is believed to symbolize purity and may also allude to Gallerani's surname and the Greek word for the animal, "gallay". Additionally, it could represent Ludovico Sforza, as he was presented with the Order of the Ermine by the King of Naples, earning him the nickname "Ermellino Bianco" (White Ermine). The oversized ermine in the portrait reinforces a childlike impression of Gallerani, as if to suggest that if the ermine is not too big, then she is too small.
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It is one of only four surviving portraits of women painted by Leonardo
Lady with an Ermine is a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, measuring 40.3 cm wide and 54.8 cm high. It is painted in oils on a walnut board. The painting is housed at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków and is one of Poland's national treasures. It is one of only four surviving portraits of women painted by Leonardo, the others being Ginevra de' Benci, La Belle Ferronnière, and the Mona Lisa.
The subject of the portrait is identified as Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Leonardo was in the service of the Duke when the portrait was painted around 1489-1490. Gallerani was about sixteen years old at the time and was renowned for her beauty, scholarship, and poetry. She came from a large family that was neither wealthy nor noble.
The painting depicts Gallerani holding an ermine, a symbol of chastity in Renaissance Italy. The animal's presence may also symbolize Gallerani's connection with Ludovico and her upcoming marriage to Bergamino. The composition of the painting shows Gallerani in a three-quarter profile, turning to her left, reflecting Leonardo's interest in capturing the dynamics of movement.
Lady with an Ermine remained largely unknown to scholars until the 20th century. The painting was acquired in Italy in 1798 by Prince Adam George Czartoryski and became part of the Czartoryski family collections. It is considered one of the most important works in Western art, showcasing Leonardo's genius and innovation in capturing the human form.
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Frequently asked questions
The painting is 40.3 cm wide and 54.8 cm high.
The painting is currently housed at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków, Poland.
The painting is a work of the Italian Renaissance artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci.
The subject of the painting is Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan.
The painting is an oil painting on a walnut board.
