The artwork titled “Bianca degli Utili Maselli, holding a dog and surrounded by six of her children” was created by the artist Lavinia Fontana. This oil on canvas piece belongs to the Mannerism, or Late Renaissance, art movement and is classified as a portrait.
The artwork portrays Bianca degli Utili Maselli adorned in intricate and richly colored attire, reflective of the fashion of the Late Renaissance period. Beside her, six children are depicted, each dressed in similarly elaborate garments, expressing an air of aristocratic grace and familial bond. Bianca is holding a small dog, representing both affection and status. The detailed ruffled collars, the use of depth and perception, and the rich textures all highlight the Mannerism style, characterized by its sophistication and elegance. The composition of the painting, with its careful arrangement and meticulous attention to detail, reveals the artist’s mastery of portraiture and her ability to capture the subtleties of human expression and familial intimacy.
