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LOT 552:
Attributed to Lavinia Fontana (Bologna, 1552 - Rome, 1614) - Portrait of a young girl with a book
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Sold for: €7,000
Start price:
€
7,000
Estimated price :
€10,000 - €15,000
Buyer's Premium: 22%
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VAT: 21%
On commission only
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Attributed to Lavinia Fontana (Bologna, 1552 - Rome, 1614) - Portrait of a young girl with a book
Oil on canvas. Dimensions: 52 x 42 cm.
This exquisite portrait of a noblewoman, possibly from the late 16th century, depicts a female figure who could be Constanza Alidosi, one of Lavinia Fontana's most frequently portrayed models. The half-length composition places the lady against a dark background, skillfully highlighting the luminosity of her skin and the richness of the details in her attire. The woman is dressed in an elaborate white silk gown, delicately embroidered in gold, which underscores her high social status. The large ruffled lace collar framing her face is a typical detail of the fashion of the time, adding a touch of sophistication.
The lady's face conveys a serene and direct expression, with her gaze fixed on the viewer—a frequent technique in Fontana's portraits. Details such as the carefully styled hair, gold earrings, and the ornate brooch on her chest emphasize the nobility and refinement of the figure.
The attribution of this work to Lavinia Fontana is based on its stylistic characteristics and the technical quality it demonstrates. When comparing this piece to works such as Judith with the Head of Holofernes (c. 1590), located at the National Museum in Kraków, Poland, there is a striking resemblance in the model portrayed, reinforcing the possibility that it is the same individual.
Another distinctive feature is the treatment of the hands, a recurring element in Fontana’s style. In this work, the lady’s hand, subtly entering the book she holds, recalls the gesture present in the Portrait of Lucia Bonasoni Garzoni (1590), sold at auction in Spain. These details, along with the faces, the quality of the glazes, and the intricate details of the clothing, strongly suggest that this is a work by Lavinia Fontana, executed in her characteristic Mannerist style with influences of early naturalism.
Provenance: French private collection.
