ITALIAN SCHOOL
A Lady, possibly dressed in the guise of Flora, flowers in her curled hair, pearl earrings and pearl and gold necklace
Circa 1660
Oil on copper
Oval, 65mm (2 1/2in) high
RESERVED
Although clearly wealthy and wearing large pearl earrings and a gold necklace, the addition of flowers in the woman’s hair suggest that she is associating with the Roman goddess Flora. The youth of the sitter matches the connection with flowers, fertility, and youth. This is likely a marriage or betrothal portrait, intended to anticipate the happy arrival of many children. The sitter’s slight smile is inviting and relaxed.
Technically the work compares well to known works by Elisabetta Sirani of Bologna (1638–1665) [1]. She was the daughter of the established Bolognese artist and art merchant, Giovanni Andrea Sirani (1610–1670) and Margherita Masini della Mano. Sirani, one of the best art professors and appraisers in the city, trained Elisabetta in painting, drawing, and printmaking, with a solid grounding also in art theory. Like many women artists, Sirani painted on copper, producing more intimate works for friends and family, as well as paying patrons.
[1] A book devoted to the artist was published in 2023 by Adelina Modesti, titled Elisabetta Sirani (Lund Humphries).
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