Profile of a Young Fiancée (1495)
Profile of a Young Fiancée. attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, presents a young woman believed to be Bianca Maria Sforza, adorned in the noble fashion of the 1490s. Executed in trois crayons on vellum and enhanced with ink, this portrait offers insight into the art of the Italian Renaissance. Despite debates over its authorship, the work captivates art lovers with its elegant depiction, rich historical ties, and the tragic story of its subject, who met an early demise shortly after her marriage.
Circa 1495-1496
About the Artwork
This intriguing artwork is grounded in the life of Bianca Maria Sforza, the daughter of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. Born into the tumultuous world of Renaissance politics, she married Galeazzo Sanseverino in 1496 but passed away shortly thereafter, which adds a layer of poignancy to the portrait. The choice of medium and style reflects the conventions of aristocratic portraiture during this time, aiming to convey both beauty and virtue, yet its uncertain attribution fuels scholarly debate. Some art historians celebrate it as a genuine da Vinci work, while others maintain skepticism, making this portrait a focal point of both admiration and scholarly inquiry.
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Did You Know
Bianca Maria Sforza was not only a courtier; her lineage connects her to the prominent Sforza dynasty, a powerful family in Milan that played a crucial role in Renaissance politics and culture.
Bianca married Galeazzo Sanseverino in 1496, yet her joy was short-lived as she died that same year, contributing to the somber narrative surrounding the portrait.
The debate over this artwork’s true attribution highlights the complexities of Renaissance art, as da Vinci’s distinctive style is often hard to pin down in works not universally accepted as authentic.
