Portrait of Vittoria Colonna

Portrait of Vittoria Colonna by Michelangelo
Artist
Michelangelo
Date
c.1540 ; Rome , Italy
Style
Mannerism
Genre
Sketch and study
Location
British Museum
The 'Portrait of Vittoria Colonna' is a magnificent piece of art that highlights Vittoria Colonna, the esteemed poet and noblewoman of 16th-century Italy. The painting exemplifies the techniques of Mannerism (late renaissance), incorporating intricate detail and complex compositions. Demonstrating how Colonna found solace in her deep spirituality after her husband's premature death, the artwork is a profound study of her character. The highly-detailed imagery reveals initial sketch and study lines beneath the final ink strokes, giving us insight into the artist's creative process. The art appears on durable paper, which has remarkably preserved the integrity of this historic portrait.

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