Leonardo DaVinci "Gineura de'Benci"


 As you can see this is not the Mona Lisa, but another and similar portrait by Leonardo DaVinci, (1452-1519).  She is Gineura de'Benci and Leonardo did this sometime between 1474 and 1478.  She is believed to be about 16, and DaVinci was about 22. Experts assume this portrait was done for her bridal engagement. It is the only DaVinci to be in the Americas; at our National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.  If you check their website you will discover much fun information about all the symbolism and new techniques young Leonardo used in creating this portrait.   But, I want to look at it in our usual, and maybe unusual way. 

   Happily, I have been to D.C. and seen this painting.  I was doing a fast stroll through the galleries and suddenly stopped, realizing I just walked by a room with only one painting in it!   How could this be?  What was so important it should have the pleasure of its own room?  The Gineura de'Benci! 

   I have been to Paris and seen the Mona Lisa.   Her portrait is a rectangle which includes more of her body and her hands.   This painting is a square, and it has always bothered me.  When I read the National Gallery's story of the painting, I learned why.  At some time, a long time ago, the lower portion of the painting was been cut off.  Originally she was painted showing her hands holding a flower, a rectangle similar to the Mona Lisa.  To me that is profoundly interesting, as this composition seems incomplete.  When an artist creates a composition, it is so sad when others feel some need to crop or cut. But, in this case, I think it was a necessity, as the lower portion suffered some injury.   

    The color harmony is complementary, orange/brown and blue.   Her skin is so pale I wonder if the dear girl was ever able to step outside.   And, she looks a bit melancholy.  I am sure at her young age, sitting for her portrait was very tiring, but maybe DaVinci was trying to tell us something?  How does she feel about her impending marriage?   I believe young ladies at this time had little input as to who they would spend the remainder of their life.  I only hope it worked out for her, and she had a happy life.

   Gineurar de'Benci measures about 15 by 15 inches, so quite small.  It is an oil on panel and is now part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.   

    Make Art a part of  your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.  

Comments

  1. Char HarguthApril 20, 2021 at 10:29 AM

    She appears to have a perfectly sculpted porcelain face. Her stoic look doesn't reveal much of her personality; probably just accepting whatever is ahead. Not looking joyful!! What a masterful painting for a 22 year old Da Vinci! Her hair is exquisite, details perfect. The dark tree surprises me but certainly highlights her face. I miss the bottom of the painting too, with her hands. The distant landscape in blue, takes us briefly away from her face, but then right back to her impeccable appearance. One can't deny the genius of this artist. Lovely!!

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