Constructing Beauty During the Italian Renaissance

Ann K. FieldsA&D 451

Spring 2009

RationaleResponse to a debateCosmetic practices and fashion are often excludedApplies a context of society contemporary to

portraiture

“Portrait of a Woman”Sandro Botticelli

c. 1480-1485

“Bianca Ponzoni Anguissola”Sofonisba Anguissola

c. 1557

ThesisItalian Renaissance portraiture reflects the appearance which was physically created by women in order to fit into their society’s canons of beauty.

“Venus of Urbino” Titianc.1538

The classical past

Canons of beauty for the Italian Renaissance period were derived from those of the Greeks and Romans

Mathematical order and ratios of features

Rediscovery of anatomical studies

“Cnidian Aphrodite”Roman copy after Praxiteles c. 4th Century BCE

Canons of beauty high forehead sharply defined chin, pale skin, strawberry blond hair high delicate eyebrows strong nose narrow mouth full lips elongated neck pregnancy- reflected in

fashion

“Lady with an Ermine” Leonardo da Vinci

c. 1489-1490

Diffusion of Visual Culture

Prints of portraitsPoetryChurch-commissioned

pieces

“Madonna dell Granduca”Raphaelc. 1505

Fashion of the Period

Clothing as status- described in portraits

Clothing altering the body to fit ideals

“Catherine de’Medici”Sofonisba Anguissolac. 1556

Cosmetic Practices

Bleaching Methods White powder and creams Rouge Eye makeup Lipsticks Dying the hair Plucking or shaving of

eyebrows and hairline

“Portrait of Maria de’Medici”Agnolo Bronzino

c. 1551

Summary of exhibition

Visual culture allowed women to see the ideal beauty

Could construct ideal appearance through cosmetic practices and fashion

Questioning the aesthetic values and degree of naturalism in representation

Articles on Exhibition:

“Portrait of a Woman” Sandro Botticelli (c. 1480-1485)“Bianca Ponzoni Anguissola” Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1557)“Venus of Urbino” Titian (c.1538)“Cnidian Aphrodite” Praxiteles (c.4th Century BCE)“Lady with an Ermine” Leonardo da Vinci (c.1489-1490)“Madonna dell Granduca” Raphael (c. 1505)“Catherine de’Medici” Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1556)“Portrait of Maria de’Medici” Agnolo Bronzino (c.1551)Whitening cream containerRouge boxReproduction of Maria de’Medici’s dress