Domenico Ghirlandaio
Lucrezia Tornabuoni, an Italian noblewoman, wife of Piero di Cosimo de' Medici (the de facto Lord of Florence), political advisor, and one of the most powerful women of the epoch was born on this day in 1427. Lucrezia had significant political influence during the rule of her husband and then of her son Lorenzo the Magnificent, investing in several institutions and improving relationships to support the needs of the poor. She was also a patroness of the arts who wrote several poems and plays.
Here we see her depicted from the chest up against a dark, teal-blue background, gazing to our left. Her arms are positioned as though resting on her knees. Her face, nearly in profile, features hooded light brown eyes beneath curved brows, a sloping nose, a pointed chin, and thin, light pink lips that are gently closed. Her hair is neatly pulled back and covered by a white headpiece, over which lies a translucent ivory-white veil that drapes over her forehead and sides of her face. A charcoal-gray stripe accentuates the veil, extending from her cheek to the back of her head. She wears a dress with a black bodice and sleeves; a second veil covers her chest and shoulders, beneath which a patch of burgundy red peeks out where the dress laces up.
P.S. Today is a perfect day to learn more about this remarkable woman, that's why we're giving you a 30% discount on our The Art of the Renaissance Florence online course, in which we cover what it meant to be a woman in the Renaissance society. :) Enroll in DailyArt Courses (the first lesson is free)!
P.P.S. The dark blue background of this Renaissance masterpiece might remind you of one of the most beautiful portraits by Leonardo. Can you guess which one we have in mind? The history behind it contains a tragic love story and an ermine!