16th Century Italian Renassance School - Portrait Of A Noblewoman

Diminutive and jewel like 16th century Italian late Renaissance portrait of a noblewoman. The size and oval format of this work being consistent with the intimate and portable nature of such high-status commissions.

The sitter represents the idealised beauty standards of the late Renaissance or Mannerist period. She has a high, smooth forehead, pale porcelain skin with a subtle, rosy flush on her cheeks, and delicate features. Her dark eyes engage directly with us, and her expression is calm, composed, and enigmatic.

The sitters high status is further confirmed by her jewellery and this includes an impressive table cut ruby which is set in gold and pinned in her hair, from which a single pearl is suspended. The placement of this jewel is significant as a high forehead was a standard of Renaissance beauty, and wearing a striking jewel at the center of the hairline draws the viewer's eye directly to this idealised feature, highlighting the forehead's breadth and the sitters perceived refinement.

She also wears a large teardrop shaped pearl earring and a simple and elegant single strand of evenly matched pearls, which rests at the base of her neck. Her light brown or auburn hair is styled in an incredibly elaborate coiffure, typical of high-status women of the era. The front sections of which are tightly crimped or waved and pulled back, and the rest of the hair is arranged in a mass of complex curls at the crown and sides. The sitter is further adorned with a string of pearls which is woven into the braided and curled hair on the left side of her head.

Her costume is a luxurious, golden-yellow embroidered silk/brocade gown which features a subtle pattern of small, dark, diagonal dashes or slashes across the surface. It has a deep V-neckline framed by a dark lavender coloured trim. Beneath this heavy outer garment lies a sheer, delicate white undergarment (a chemise or partlet) crosses over her chest, it preserves her modesty and adds a layer of textural contrast to the heavy gold fabric.

This fine portrait has been conjured by a supremely talented hand and the meticulous rendering of these luxurious fabrics, precious jewels, and idealised features serve to emphasise the sitter's aristocratic elegance, wealth, and refined beauty.

This work is in a fine state of preservation and is housed in a later oval ebonised frame with gilt highlights.

Canvas: 18in x 16in / 46cm x 41cm. Framed: 34.5in x 22in / 88cm x 56cm.