4.9/5
Cecilia Gallerani and the Sforza Court of Milan
Leonardo da Vinci painted Cecilia Gallerani turning her head as if someone just walked into the room. [1] She was born in Siena in 1473. [2] She was a talented poet compared to Sappho. [3] She kept this portrait at Carmagnola Palace in Milan until her death. [3] She holds a small, white, weasel-like animal with cream fur.
The creature looks in the exact same direction as her. The animal is an ermine, a play on her surname. [1] It also refers to Duke Ludovico Sforza, who used it as his emblem. [1] The ermine relates to pregnancy protection, matching Cecilia's pregnancy in 1490. [1] It also connects to Alcmene and the birth of Heracles. [3]
Leonardo da Vinci and the Secrets of the Dark Canvas
This painting is a masterpiece from the High Renaissance period, a peak era of Italian art. Leonardo da Vinci used smooth brushwork with seamless transitions of light and shadow on her skin. Strong directional light brightens her face, neck, and hand. Originally, the background was dark grey. [3]
It was overpainted in black during the nineteenth century. [3] The yellow text was added during an eighteenth-century change. [1] It reads 'LA BELE FERONIERE' and 'LEONARD D'AWINCI'. [1] The original painting was once in a collection negotiated to the Polish government. [2] You can view this work among our gallery of most celebrated canvas masterpieces.
Sizing Your Lady with an Ermine Reproduction for Your Wall
We paint each lady with an ermine reproduction by hand on museum-grade linen canvas. Our artists recreate every detail, from the distinct claws on the animal's paw to the decorative black laces. You can buy this hand-painted oil painting starting from $299.95.
Our Leonardo da Vinci gallery offers seven standard sizes for this portrait. You can also ask for custom canvas proportions if you need a specific size. If you love his portraits, consider our replica of his portrait of Lisa Gherardini or his depiction of a Milanese musician.
