Woman with a Veil 1512 - 1515

Raphael painted this oil on canvas depicting a woman adorned with a veil during the Italian High Renaissance. The veil, a prominent symbol in this portrait, carries layers of meaning. It signifies modesty and piety but also alludes to marriage. The motif of the veil echoes through art history, appearing in classical sculptures and religious paintings alike. Think of the veiled figures in Roman funerary art, or even the Virgin Mary, often depicted with a veil symbolizing purity and divine mystery. In ancient times, the veil protected from the evil eye, while in other contexts, it concealed identity. Here, Raphael revives the veil. It isn’t merely an accessory but a complex signifier that blurs the lines between sacred and secular. This continuous evolution reminds us that symbols are never static. They adapt, resurface, and acquire new resonance across eras.