The Story Behind the Woman and the Ermine in da Vinci’s Art Podcast By cover art

The Story Behind the Woman and the Ermine in da Vinci’s Art

The Story Behind the Woman and the Ermine in da Vinci’s Art

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 Lady with an Ermine is a portrait painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1489 and 1491, during his time at the Milanese court of Ludovico Sforza. The painting depicts Cecilia Gallerani, the young mistress of Ludovico, holding an ermine—a symbolic creature representing purity, moderation, and possibly referencing Ludovico himself. Executed in oil on walnut wood, it demonstrates Leonardo’s mastery in anatomy, movement, and psychological depth. The portrait is one of only four known female portraits by Leonardo, making it a rare and significant work. Originally painted with a bluish-grey background, it was later overpainted black in the 18th century. Despite minor restorations and misconceptions over the years, technical analysis confirms it remains in excellent condition. The ermine has multiple interpretations: a symbol of Cecilia’s chastity, a nod to her pregnancy, or a pun on her surname from the Greek word galéē. Leonardo’s composition—marked by contrapposto, delicate chiaroscuro, and lifelike detail—highlights both Cecilia’s intellect and beauty. Now housed in Kraków's Czartoryski Museum, the painting was brought to Poland in 1798 and survived war, looting, and exile.
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