Young woman 1870 - 1880

This is a marble bust of a young woman, created by Mino da Fiesole, an Italian sculptor working in the second half of the 15th century. During the Renaissance, portrait busts like this one became increasingly popular as markers of status and individuality. The woman's serene expression and elegant features reflect the humanist ideals of the time, which emphasized the importance of human beauty and intellect. Although this sculpture is currently named 'Young Woman', art historians believe that it is a portrait of a specific woman from Florentine high society. The style and medium align with the artistic values of Renaissance Italy. Florence was then a center of artistic production, supported by wealthy patrons such as the Medici family. This cultural context fostered an environment where artists like Mino could thrive, shaping the development of Western art for centuries to come. To fully understand the sculpture's significance, we need to consider how art was used to express identity and social status in Renaissance society. By examining historical records and other artworks from the period, we can gain a deeper understanding of its role in shaping cultural values.