La Belle Ferronnière

La Belle Ferronnière, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and dated around 1490-1495, is a masterful portrait from the artist's time at the court of Milan. The painting depicts a woman, often thought to be Lucrezia Crivelli, a mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Her gaze is calm and direct, engaging the viewer with a sense of quiet authority and poise. The sitter’s attire and adornments, such as the richly detailed red dress and the ornate necklace with a jewel set on her forehead, suggest noble status and elegance. The lighting, soft and diffused, emphasizes the delicate modeling of her face and hands, a hallmark of Leonardo's technique. The dark, neutral background serves to highlight the figure, bringing attention to the intricate details and the sitter’s enigmatic expression, creating an intimate and timeless portrait.