Portrait of a lady in green 1532

Agnolo Bronzino painted this portrait of a lady in green in Florence with oil paint, a relatively new medium at the time. Look closely at the layers of paint that Bronzino applied to create the lady's dress. The green is rich and deep, achieved through careful layering of pigments. But notice also the texture of the fabric, which Bronzino renders with incredible detail, simulating the tactile qualities of the material. The ruffles on her sleeves and the intricate pattern on her headdress show the artistry required to produce and wear such fine clothing. This painting isn't just a portrait; it's a testament to the labor and skill involved in producing luxury goods in Renaissance Florence. It invites us to consider the social and economic context in which it was made.