The artwork, titled “Simonetta,” was created by Sandro Botticelli between circa 1480 and circa 1485. This piece, rendered in tempera on a panel, is a quintessential example of the Early Renaissance art movement. The dimensions of the portrait are 65 by 44 centimeters, and it depicts a genre scene focusing on the elegant and serene profile of a young woman.
The artwork portrays a young woman, presumably named Simonetta, dressed in a richly detailed red garment. Her hair is intricately braided and adorned with a net or ribbon, and she wears a necklace with an ornate pendant. The use of color and light highlights her delicate features and the luxurious fabric of her clothing, emphasizing Botticelli’s skill in capturing both human expression and exquisite detail. The background is plain and dark, drawing attention to the subject, whose profile is delicately accentuated by the soft, even lighting. The simplicity of the background contrasts sharply with the intricate beauty of the subject, creating a balanced and harmonious composition typical of Early Renaissance portraiture.
