PALMA VECCHIO
(b. 1480, Serina, d. 1528, Venezia)

Portrait of a Woman (La Bella)

1518-20
Oil on canvas, 95 x 80 cm
Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid

The sitter of this magnificent portrait, aptly named "La Bella", with her enigmatic gaze and amply-proportioned body, is unknown. Her red, blue and white silk draperies highlight the marble tones other skin. In one hand she holds a casket, which may be a jewellery box or part of a hair ornament which she will use to gather up the abundant tresses she is touching with her right hand. The inscription on the ledge below the figure has not yet been deciphered.