Portrait of Louise of Savoy as Sibylla Agrippa 1430

This is Jacques Daret’s portrait of Louise of Savoy as Sibylla Agrippa, painted sometime in the 15th century. Daret rendered this likeness in oil paint, a relatively new medium at the time. The smooth, almost enamel-like surface is a testament to the artist’s mastery of layering and blending pigments. But the true marvel lies in the details of Louise's attire. Consider the sumptuous fabric of her headdress, likely silk or velvet, adorned with intricate embroidery or brocade. These details reflect the wealth and status of the sitter. Such textiles were not merely materials but signifiers of power and class. Notice also the book she holds, its pages meticulously rendered with gold leaf. Its presence speaks to literacy, privilege, and access to knowledge, luxuries not afforded to most during this period. Daret's skillful rendering elevates craft to the realm of fine art, inviting us to consider the social and economic context in which this portrait was created.