Detail of the Portrait of a Young Woman by Lorenzo di Credi in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sept. 2021

Portrait of a Young Woman
ca. 1490–1500

Lorenzo di Credi (Lorenzo d'Andrea d'Oderigo) Italian


Object Details

Title: Portrait of a Young Woman

Artist: Lorenzo di Credi (Lorenzo d'Andrea d'Oderigo) (Italian, Florence 1456/59–1536 Florence)

Date: ca. 1490–1500

Medium: Oil on wood

Dimensions: 23 1/8 x 15 3/4 in. (58.7 x 40 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Bequest of Richard De Wolfe Brixey, 1943

Accession Number: 43.86.5


This damaged but evocative portrait has been identified as the widow of the artist's brother, who was a goldsmith. This would explain why she is dressed in black and holds a ring. The juniper bush (ginepro) behind her could refer to her name, Ginevra di Giovanni di Niccolò. The picture was inspired by Leonardo's portrait of Ginevra de' Benci in the National Gallery of Art, Washington.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436910