The artwork “Portrait of a Princess of the House of Este,” created by the artist Pisanello around the year 1449, is a distinguished piece of the Early Renaissance period. Executed using tempera on panel, this portrait measures 43 by 30 centimeters and is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a profile view of a young woman believed to be a princess from the House of Este, an influential aristocratic family. The subject is adorned in an elaborate garment with intricate patterns and rich colors, including a white gown with red sleeves and decorative bands. Her hair is meticulously styled and she wears a headpiece composed of white ribbons. The background is filled with detailed representations of flora and fauna, featuring various flowers and butterflies, which add layers of symbolism and natural beauty to the depiction. The woman’s serene demeanor and the harmonious composition reflect the refined aesthetics and technical prowess characteristic of Pisanello’s work, emphasizing the ideals of grace and elegance central to Early Renaissance portraiture.
