An Ace up Her Sleeve: Leonardo’s Ginevra de’ Benci

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Mentor: Dr. Anne H. Muraoka

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

The High Renaissance in Italy was a time of rebirth that focused on exhibiting the idealistic qualities of humanity. However, patriarchy still reigned supreme in society. It was not until a unique portrait, Ginevra de’ Benci, painted by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, shifted away from traditional characteristics of female portraiture. What’s more interesting is the patron hailed from Venice, a city with records that support the rise of a feminist movement. This essay argues that this painting opened the door towards modern feminism by investigating Venetian literature and how it could have influenced the portrait’s patron, Bernardo Bembo.

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Room 1306

Start Date

2-18-2017 9:00 AM

End Date

2-18-2017 10:00 AM

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Feb 18th, 9:00 AM Feb 18th, 10:00 AM

An Ace up Her Sleeve: Leonardo’s Ginevra de’ Benci

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Room 1306

The High Renaissance in Italy was a time of rebirth that focused on exhibiting the idealistic qualities of humanity. However, patriarchy still reigned supreme in society. It was not until a unique portrait, Ginevra de’ Benci, painted by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, shifted away from traditional characteristics of female portraiture. What’s more interesting is the patron hailed from Venice, a city with records that support the rise of a feminist movement. This essay argues that this painting opened the door towards modern feminism by investigating Venetian literature and how it could have influenced the portrait’s patron, Bernardo Bembo.