Shop art print and framed art Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn by Raffaello

Historical context and attribution of The Lady and the Unicorn

The Lady with the Unicorn is an iconic work of the Italian Renaissance, attributed to the famous painter Raphael. Probably dating from 1505-1506, this period corresponds to Raphael's artistic heyday, when he was active in Florence. The attribution to Raphael is not without controversy, however, with some art historians suggesting other artists in his entourage, such as Perugino, Ridolfo del Ghirlandaio, Francesco Granacci and Andrea del Sarto. Nevertheless, the exceptional quality of the work, its harmonious composition and the finesse of its execution argue in favour of the master's hand. The painting is currently kept at the Galleria Borghese in Rome, where it continues to fascinate visitors with its enigmatic beauty.

The Lady and the Unicorn: A Renaissance gem by Raphael

The painting depicts a young woman, probably Maddalena Strozzi, seated in a loggia opening onto a verdant landscape and a clear blue sky. Dressed in a rich red and green dress, she holds a small white unicorn on her lap, a symbol of purity and chastity. Her serene gaze and expression give her face a tinge of gentleness and melancholy, although the "natura in posa" position shows little emotion in favour of emphasising her physical features. The composition is balanced and harmonious, with a subtle use of perspective and light that highlights the model's beauty and the delicacy of her features. The colour palette, dominated by reds, greens and blues, creates an atmosphere that is both warm and contemplative. The painting, relatively modest in size (65 cm x 51 cm), invites attentive and detailed observation, revealing the technical mastery and artistic sensitivity of its creator.

The Lady with the Unicorn, An allegory of feminine virtue

The unicorn, a mythical animal associated with purity and chastity, is central to the painting's symbolism. Its presence on the young woman's lap suggests her virtue and innocence. The loggia, a transitional space between inside and outside, can be interpreted as a metaphor for the female condition, both protected and exposed. Together, these elements help to create an allegory of feminine virtue, celebrating beauty, purity and grace. It is notable, however, that following research into the work, the preparatory drawings revealed a dog in place of the unicorn, a sign of marital fidelity.

Impact and posterity of Raphael's The Lady with the Unicorn

The Lady with the Unicorn exerted a considerable influence on portraiture in the Renaissance and beyond. The idealised depiction of women, the harmonious composition and the symbolic use of elements inspired many artists. The painting also helped to strengthen Raphael's reputation as a portraitist, establishing him definitively as one of the greatest masters of the Renaissance. Today, The Lady and the Unicorn remains an admired and studied work, testifying to the greatness of Renaissance art and the universality of its themes.

Despite debates over its attribution and the identity of the model, The Lady and the Unicorn remains a fascinating enigma, inviting each viewer to their own interpretation. This timeless work continues to move us with its beauty, its poetry and the depth of its message.

This artwork is a painting from the renaissance period. It belongs to the italian renaissance style.

« Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn » is kept at Galleria Borghese, Rome, Italy.

Find the full description of Portrait of a Lady with a Unicorn by Raffaello on Wikipedia.