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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