Portrait of a Woman, possibly Ginevra d'Antonio Lupari Gozzadini
This portrait and its pendant (1975.1.96) represent a husband and wife of the Gozzadini family of Bologna; the family's coat of arms appears prominently in both paintings. The inscribed architectural frieze in the background, which runs across both panels, attests to the commemorative function of the portraits: VT SIT NOSTRA FORMA SVPERSTES (In order that our features may survive). Probably made to celebrate a betrothal or marriage, the portraits contain numerous allusions to love and matrimony, such as the spray of flowers, known as pinks, held by the male sitter, and the fruit (perhaps a quince) held by his wife. The pelican and phoenix at lower left of the male portrait refer respectively to charity and resurrection - Christian virtues here associated with the sacrament of marriage. In the lower right corner of the female portrait are two rabbits and a girl confronting a unicorn, the former connoting fecundity and the latter chastity.
Artwork Details
- Title: Portrait of a Woman, possibly Ginevra d'Antonio Lupari Gozzadini
- Artist: Attributed to the Maestro delle Storie del Pane (Italian (Emilian), active late 15th century)
- Date: 1494?
- Medium: Tempera on wood
- Dimensions: Overall 19 3/4 x 14 5/8 in. (50.2 x 37.1 cm); painted surface 19 1/8 x 14 1/8 in. (48.6 x 35.9 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Robert Lehman Collection, 1975
- Object Number: 1975.1.96
- Curatorial Department: The Robert Lehman Collection
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Italian, Lombardy
early 17th century (frieze probably early 20th century)
Maestro delle Storie del Pane
1494(?)
Bartolomeo Vivarini
ca. 1465
Osservanza Master
ca. 1435
Giovanni di Paolo (Giovanni di Paolo di Grazia)
ca. 1455–60
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