FONTANA, Lavinia
(b. 1552, Bologna, d. 1614, Roma)

Portrait of Constanza Alidosi

1594
Oil on canvas, 158 x 119 cm
National Museum of Women in the Arts, Washington

Constanza Alidosi was a Bolognese noblewoman who in 1571 married Ridolfo Isolani, a distinguished nobleman, senator, and associate of the Medici. She is represented seated in elegant costuming and holding in her lap a small dog signifying her fidelity to her husband. On the table beside her a still-life of a vase of flowers and jewelry are depicted. Through the upper-left window an inner courtyard vista is shown.