Lady in Ermine: The Story of the Woman Who Painted the Renaissance

Cecilia Gallerani was a beautiful, intelligent and talented young woman who lived in Milan during the Renaissance. She was the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and was painted by Leonardo da Vinci in the famous portrait, "Lady in Ermine." Cecilia's life was full of intrigue and adventure, and she played a significant role in the cultural and political life of Milan.

Cecilia was born in 1460 in Savona, Italy. Her father was a wealthy merchant and her mother was a noblewoman. Cecilia received a good education and was well-versed in the arts and sciences. She was also a talented musician and singer.

Lady in Ermine — The Story of A Woman Who Painted the Renaissance: A Biographical Novel of Sofonisba Anguissola

by Donna DiGiuseppe

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	898 KB
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In 1483, Cecilia married Gaspare Visconti, a young nobleman from Milan. However, the marriage was not a happy one, and Cecilia soon left her husband and moved to Milan. There, she met Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Ludovico was a powerful and ambitious man, and he was immediately smitten with Cecilia. He made her his mistress and gave her the title of "Lady in Ermine." Cecilia gave birth to Ludovico's son, Cesare, in 1491.

Cecilia's relationship with Ludovico was a stormy one. He was often jealous and possessive, and he sometimes treated her cruelly. However, Cecilia was a strong-willed woman, and she refused to let him control her. She continued to pursue her own interests and ambitions, and she became a respected figure in the Milanese court.

Cecilia was a patron of the arts and sciences. She commissioned works from some of the most famous artists of the Renaissance, including Leonardo da Vinci, Bramante and Botticelli. She was also a collector of books and manuscripts, and her library was one of the finest in Milan.

In 1499, Ludovico Sforza was overthrown by the French. Cecilia was forced to flee Milan, and she spent the rest of her life in exile. She died in Naples in 1523, at the age of 63.

Cecilia Gallerani was a remarkable woman who lived a life of adventure and intrigue. She was a beautiful, intelligent and talented woman who played a significant role in the cultural and political life of Milan. Her portrait by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous and iconic works of art in the world.

Additional Resources

• Lady in Ermine on the Leonardo da Vinci website
• Lady in Ermine on display at the Milanese Castle
• Cecilia Gallerani on Encyclopedia Britannica

Lady in Ermine — The Story of A Woman Who Painted the Renaissance: A Biographical Novel of Sofonisba Anguissola

by Donna DiGiuseppe

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	898 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	311 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE