Paolina Adorno Brignole-Sale 1627

Anthony van Dyck's 1627 portrait, "Paolina Adorno Brignole-Sale," showcases the artist's mastery of Baroque portraiture. Paolina, dressed in luxurious velvet and adorned with intricate lace, stands against a backdrop of classical architecture, a signature element of Van Dyck's style. The presence of a raven perched on a chair, often symbolizing melancholy, adds a layer of intrigue to the composition. This portrait, capturing the sitter's refined elegance and subtle melancholy, exemplifies Van Dyck's influence on the development of portrait painting during the 17th century.