Portrait of a Lady (La Belle Ferronnière)
c. 1490–1496 Louvre Museum
About this artwork
This oil on walnut panel portrait depicts an unknown woman against a dark, featureless background, characteristic of the artist's sfumato technique. It is widely considered one of the iconic portraits from the artist's time in Milan.
Did you know?
The title La Belle Ferronnière is a historical misnomer, as it was incorrectly associated with a mistress of King Francis I long after the painting was created. While the true identity of the sitter remains a mystery, many art historians believe it may be Lucrezia Crivelli, a mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. The painting is renowned for the subtle, enigmatic expression of the sitter and the sophisticated use of shadows that define Leonardo's mature style.
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Portrait of a Lady (La Belle Ferronnière)
Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1490–1496
