Leonardo da Vinci
Happy World Art Day! On this day we celebrate the birthday of the famous Leonardo da Vinci. This holiday is used as an opportunity to promote art and it encourages people to enjoy it (in DailyArt, for example). Let's celebrate this day together!
Today we present a very famous portrait of Ginevra de' Benci. Ginevra was a well-known young Florentine woman. Leonardo created this painting possibly to commemorate Ginevra's marriage to Luigi di Bernardo Niccolini at the age of 16. More likely, it commemorates the engagement. Commonly, contemporary portraits of females were commissioned for either of two occasions: betrothal or marriage. Wedding portraits traditionally were created in pairs, with the woman on the right, facing left; because this portrait faces right, it more likely represents a betrothal.
The juniper bush featured around Ginevra's head and in the background isn't just for decoration. In Renaissance Italy, juniper represented female virtue, and interestingly, the Italian word for juniper, ginepro, is a clever nod to Ginevra's own name.
It seems that the lower part of the painting was cut off at some time, likely because it was damaged. This means we're probably missing the view of Ginevra's arms and hands.
P.S. Today, on the occasion of World Art Day, we have a super promo for you: up to -40% off everything in the DailyArt Shop and -25% DailyArt Courses, including the amazing super-quality print of Leonardo's Lady with an Ermine, Renaissance Postcard Set, and Renaissance online course. Enjoy! :)
P.P.S. If you want to test your knowledge about Leonardo da Vinci, now is your chance! Take our quiz and see how well do you know his life and art!