1504, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), Emilia Pia da Montefeltro -- Baltimore Museum of Art
From the museum label:
"... my lady, Emilia Pia... was endowed with such lively wit and judgment... it seemed as if... everyone gained wisdom and worth from her."
With these words, Baldassare Castiglione, author of The Book of the Courtier, 1507, immortalized the bright, witty Emilia Pia who lived at Italy's sophisticated Court of Urbino.
The Renaissance master Raphael, who grew up at court, painted Emilia as a young widow in black mourning garb and veil edged in lace. The light and shadow playing ever so subtly across her face suggests a strong and vital spirit despite the fact that she had lost her husband at an early age.
"Elegant and vivacious with a quick skeptical mind," Emilia led artists, poets, and scholars in witty repartee and after-dinner discussions about literature, art, philosophy, and the qualities of grace and honor expected of a courtier and court lady.
Link to a high-resolution close-up photo of details from this painting.
Link to other Raphael paintings.
1504, Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino), Emilia Pia da Montefeltro -- Baltimore Museum of Art
From the museum label:
"... my lady, Emilia Pia... was endowed with such lively wit and judgment... it seemed as if... everyone gained wisdom and worth from her."
With these words, Baldassare Castiglione, author of The Book of the Courtier, 1507, immortalized the bright, witty Emilia Pia who lived at Italy's sophisticated Court of Urbino.
The Renaissance master Raphael, who grew up at court, painted Emilia as a young widow in black mourning garb and veil edged in lace. The light and shadow playing ever so subtly across her face suggests a strong and vital spirit despite the fact that she had lost her husband at an early age.
"Elegant and vivacious with a quick skeptical mind," Emilia led artists, poets, and scholars in witty repartee and after-dinner discussions about literature, art, philosophy, and the qualities of grace and honor expected of a courtier and court lady.
Link to a high-resolution close-up photo of details from this painting.
Link to other Raphael paintings.