Painting of the Month

Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘Lady with the Ermine’ is an exquisite exploration into various sumptuous textures; meticulous in its rendering of fabric and form. This society portrait affirms Leonardo’s mastery of technique, and his ability to evoke a sense of mysticism and enigma in his sitter. It is, in a way, a latter day portrait of Paris Hilton, replete with handbag style micro dog. Whilst portraiture is predominantly about the static form, Leonardo is able to suggest imminent movement in the sitter in this portrait, in an attempt to enhance naturalism.