Portrait of Ginevra Aldrovandi Hercolani 1595

Have you heard of Lavinia Fontana? The painter has been called Europe’s first female professional artist. Working during the late Renaissance, Fontana was among the most commercially and financially successful portraitists in Italy. Alongside portraiture, Fontana also completed large-scale paintings on mythological and Christian subjects which were typically restricted to male artists. Her portraits often depict affluent members of the aristocracy, especially Bolognese noblewomen. Fontana completed a portrait of the noblewoman Ginevra Aldrovandi Hercolani in 1595. Hercolani’s identity as a wealthy widow is emphasised throughout the painting, which merges realistic representation with skilful symbolism. The composition is dominated by sombre dark tones, with the lefthand section of the background fading into complete blackness. Hercolani wears a mourning costume of luxurious black velvet, complete with sumptuous lace at her cuffs and ruffled collar. The gilded bodice of her dress is adorned with delicate pearls, while her outstretched hand is embellished with golden rings. Together, these details are indicative of an enormous wealth. In her bejewelled hand, Hercolani grasps a tasselled handkerchief. This clearly references her status as a widow, suggesting she has remained in mourning following the death of her husband, the senator Ercole Hercolani, in 1593. Hercolani’s other hand gently holds the paw of a small white spaniel dog, a symbol of her loyalty and faith to her deceased husband. Hercolani did not remarry following her husband’s death. Working in a male-dominated art world, Fontana was commissioned to depict Hercolani as a respectable and powerful woman. The austere colour palette, impressively rich details, and stern expression of Ginevra Hercolani in Fontana’s portrait communicate an intense sense of authority. Editor: Lucy Jude Grantham