Vandalized N10

Lady with an Ermine 1489–1491

Leonardo da Vinci

Lady with an Ermine is a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, painted around 1489–1491. It portrays Cecilia Gallerani, a young mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, who was Da Vinci’s patron. In the painting, Cecilia holds an ermine, symbolizing purity, nobility, and possibly referencing Ludovico, who was nicknamed “Ermellino” (ermine in Italian). The work is notable for its detailed depiction of the figure, Da Vinci’s use of light and shading to give it volume, and Cecilia’s expressive gaze, demonstrating Da Vinci’s skill at capturing the psychological depth of his subjects.