Portrait of a Young Woman 1490

Domenico Ghirlandaio painted this portrait of a young woman in the vibrant Florence of the late 15th century. At first glance, her red coral necklace strikes the eye. Coral, since antiquity, has been believed to ward off evil, a protective amulet especially potent for young women. In Roman times, children wore coral for protection. This symbolism echoes through centuries; even today, similar amulets appear in various cultures. Why coral? Red, the color of life and blood, is a primal symbol of vitality. Its presence speaks to our collective subconscious, resonating with deep-seated fears and hopes. The gentle curve of the necklace contrasts the sharp lines of her dress, a tender safeguard against the unknown. Thus, this portrait transcends mere representation. It embodies a timeless quest for protection, a visual echo of humanity's enduring anxieties and the talismans we create to calm them.