Marco d'Oggiono (Attributed)
We all know Leonardo da Vinci. But did you know that he had a bunch of devoted followers?
Marco d'Oggiono (c. 1470–1549) was one of them. We can even call him a chief pupil of Leonardo da Vinci, many of whose works he copied. He was a hard-working artist, but his work has since been criticized by some for paintings that are wanting in vivacity of feeling and purity of drawing, while, in his composition, it has been well said that "intensity of color does duty for intensity of sentiment." He copied Leonardo's Last Supper repeatedly, and one of his best copies is in the possession of the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
Today's picture combines elements of portraiture and allegory while setting the stage for genre painting. The richly dressed female wearing an enigmatic smile is crowned with ivy and holds a bowl of cherries. The meaning is enigmatic: it may allude to marriage but also suggests a connection with sophisticated literary circles.
P.S. Charming isn't it? Have a great weekend! It's a great time to learn 10 facts about The Last Supper by Leonardo you definitely should know! You will find them here. :)