Database: Lady With an Ermine

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Attributed to Leonardo da Vinci and painted c. 1490, this masterpiece is believed to depict Cecilia Gallerani, the favorite mistress of Ludovico Sforza, powerful Duke of Milan and Leonardo's employer at that time. As often with Leonardo's work, hidden meanings have been debated, especially regarding the presence of the ermine. Some believe it was just a play of words on the Ancient Greek word for ermine which sounds like the mistress' surname. Others note that ermines were both symbols of preserved purity and moderation, two values cherished by the painter. But ermines were also seen as protectors of pregnancy, at a time Cecilia probably bore Ludovico's son. Interestingly, Ludovico was member of the Order of the Ermine and nicknamed the White Ermine himself. The animal could then represent him, as he could obviously not appear in person on the portrait of his mistress... But he was possibly present when it was created: indeed, who do you think she is looking at?