Portrait of an Unknown Woman (La Belle Ferroniere) 1490

Leonardo da Vinci's "Portrait of an Unknown Woman (La Belle Ferroniere)", painted around 1490, is a captivating oil painting housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. This half-length portrait depicts a woman with a serene expression, adorned in rich, layered attire, including a red dress with gold embroidery. The enigmatic smile and the unique adornment on her forehead have led to many interpretations, with some speculating the woman to be a member of the noble Ferronière family. Despite the unknown identity, the portrait's masterful execution, particularly in the soft yet detailed rendering of the face, showcases da Vinci's innovative use of sfumato, a technique that blurs edges for a subtle and lifelike effect.