The artwork titled “Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni” was created by Domenico Ghirlandaio between the years 1489 and 1490. Executed in oil, panel, and tempera, this piece is a prominent example of the Early Renaissance movement. Measuring 77 by 49 centimeters, it is a portrait that captures its subject with striking detail and elegance. Currently, the artwork is housed in the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The portrait depicts Giovanna Tornabuoni in a strict, profile view, emphasizing the composure and refinement befitting someone of her status. She is adorned in an intricate garment that exhibits opulent embroidery and rich textures, characteristic of Renaissance fashion. Her hair is elegantly styled and adorned with a ribbon of red beads. The background features a simple, dark setting with a niche that holds a book and a string of coral beads, adding a depth of narrative about her education and virtue. A Latin inscription in the background underscores a classical theme of inner virtue surpassing external beauty. Ghirlandaio’s masterful use of light, detail, and texture in this work is indicative of the Early Renaissance’s focus on naturalism and individualism.
