The Lady with an Ermine, a major work by Leonardo da Vinci, is a captivating portrait created around 1489-1490. This oil painting on wood, measuring approximately 54 x 39 centimeters, is on display at the National Museum in Krakow, Poland. It depicts Cecilia Gallerani, a lady of the Milanese court, holding a white ermine in her arms.
Leonardo da Vinci captured Cecilia Gallerani's grace with exceptional finesse. See more
The contrast between the dark background and the soft light that caresses the lady's face highlights her beauty and elegance. The ermine, a symbol of purity and chastity, rests gently in her arms, adding a symbolic dimension to the portrait.
Cecilia Gallerani's posture, slightly turned to the left, conveys refinement and intellect. Her enigmatic smile, typical of Leonardo's portraits, adds to the mystique of the artwork.
The Lady with an Ermine is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance that illustrates Leonardo da Vinci's fascination with feminine beauty and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects with unparalleled precision.