It is believed to be a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, a mistress of da Vinci’s patron, the Duke of Milan. Recent discovery shows that before da Vinci finished this work, he changed his mind in the process, originally painting the portrait without its important subject, the ermine. The portrait, through its simplicity provides a massive symbolism. The two subjects within itself—Gallerani and the ermine, is a declaration of having each other. The lady seem to hold the ermine with endearment, as she cradles the creature in her arm. This could be interpreted as a declaration of love, between the two lovers, Gallerani and the Duke, who was at the time, nicknamed “The White Ermine.” However, it is not only because of the nickname the portrait included the animal. In the art, the ermine, is hinted to be white, which at the time could represent purity. The creature, whose coat is used as ceremonial robes, in itself mirrors the duke’s status, symbolizing luxury and wealth. The contrast between the subject matter and the background allows the audience’s eyes to focus on the radiance that the lady emits, and her distant stare portrays bashfulness and elegance. Although people of the contemporary may not be able to relate to this piece, it can be assumed that those who lived in the Renaissance era may have taken this piece as a sort of news as it was a declaration of relationship between
It is believed to be a portrait of Cecilia Gallerani, a mistress of da Vinci’s patron, the Duke of Milan. Recent discovery shows that before da Vinci finished this work, he changed his mind in the process, originally painting the portrait without its important subject, the ermine. The portrait, through its simplicity provides a massive symbolism. The two subjects within itself—Gallerani and the ermine, is a declaration of having each other. The lady seem to hold the ermine with endearment, as she cradles the creature in her arm. This could be interpreted as a declaration of love, between the two lovers, Gallerani and the Duke, who was at the time, nicknamed “The White Ermine.” However, it is not only because of the nickname the portrait included the animal. In the art, the ermine, is hinted to be white, which at the time could represent purity. The creature, whose coat is used as ceremonial robes, in itself mirrors the duke’s status, symbolizing luxury and wealth. The contrast between the subject matter and the background allows the audience’s eyes to focus on the radiance that the lady emits, and her distant stare portrays bashfulness and elegance. Although people of the contemporary may not be able to relate to this piece, it can be assumed that those who lived in the Renaissance era may have taken this piece as a sort of news as it was a declaration of relationship between