Lady with an Ermine

A Renaissance masterpiece, Lady with an Ermine, has captivated art lovers for centuries with its enigmatic smile and intricate details.

The story behind the painting

Painted in 1490, Lady with an Ermine is a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Leonardo da Vinci, who was the painter to the Sforza court, created this work during his time in Milan. The painting showcases Cecilia holding an ermine, a symbol of purity and moderation. It is one of only four surviving portraits of women painted by Leonardo, along with Ginevra de' Benci, La Belle Ferronnière, and the Mona Lisa.

What to look for

In this portrait, Cecilia Gallerani is depicted at half-length, her body turned toward her right at a three-quarter angle, while her face is turned toward her left. The ermine in her arms twists in a similar manner, creating a pyramidal spiral composition. Cecilia wears a silk sbernia over her left shoulder and an ornately embroidered gold band over a velvet dress on her right shoulder. Her hair is styled in a coazzone, confined smoothly to her head with two bands and a long plait at the back. The painting's background, previously believed to be damaged and repainted, was found to have a bluish-grey tone that was later overpainted with black.

Meaning and intent

The ermine in Cecilia's arms symbolizes purity and moderation, reflecting Leonardo's fascination with the animal's behavior. He noted that the ermine would rather die than soil its white coat, highlighting its commitment to purity. The painting also showcases Leonardo's expertise in capturing the human form, particularly in Cecilia's outstretched hand, where he meticulously painted the shape of each fingernail and the lines around her knuckles. Some art historians suggest that Cecilia's portrait may be an allegorical representation of the heroic character of Caterina Sforza, the lioness of Romagna.

Legacy

Lady with an Ermine has been a part of the Czartoryski family collections since 1800 and is now on permanent display at the Czartoryski Museum in Kraków. The painting has traveled extensively throughout its history, including being seized by the Nazis during World War II and recovered by Allied troops. It is considered one of Poland's national treasures and continues to inspire art lovers with its beauty and historical significance.

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