Portrait of a Lady c. 16th century

Curator: What strikes me most is the stillness in her gaze. It's as if she holds a secret, a quiet power. Editor: Absolutely. Attributed to the Workshop of Corneille de Lyon, this piece, titled "Portrait of a Lady," reflects the codes of courtly representation in 16th-century France. It speaks to the gendered expectations placed upon women of status. Curator: It's interesting how the severe framing contrasts with the softness of her face. I wonder about the story behind those eyes. Editor: Well, these portraits often functioned as political tools, idealizing the sitter for marital or dynastic purposes. Yet, as viewers, we can still try to consider her lived experiences within those constraints. Curator: It’s a reminder of the layers of history and interpretation embedded in a single image. Editor: Precisely. It prompts us to question how we understand female agency and representation, even today.