Ginevra de' Benci facts for kids

Ginevra de' Benci

Ginevra de' Benci is a famous oil painting created by the brilliant Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. He painted it around 1479 or 1480. This beautiful artwork can be seen at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in the United States. It's special because it's the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci that you can see on display in the entire country!

Who Was Ginevra de' Benci?

Ginevra de' Benci was a young woman from a wealthy and important family in Florence, Italy. She was born in 1457. Her family was known for their banking business. This portrait was likely painted to celebrate her engagement or marriage. In the 1400s, it was common for rich families to commission portraits of their daughters. These paintings often showed their beauty and their family's status.

Leonardo's Artistic Style

Leonardo da Vinci was a true genius of the Renaissance period. He was not just a painter, but also a scientist, inventor, and more. In Ginevra de' Benci, Leonardo used a special technique called sfumato. This means he blended colors and tones so smoothly that there are no harsh lines. It creates a soft, hazy look, making the painting seem more lifelike.

Details of the Portrait

The painting shows Ginevra from the chest up. She has a serious expression and looks directly at the viewer. Her pale skin and delicate features are highlighted against a dark background. Leonardo paid great attention to small details, like the individual strands of her hair. He also captured the texture of her clothing.

The Juniper Bush

Behind Ginevra, you can see a juniper bush. Juniper was a symbol of purity and virtue in Leonardo's time. The Italian word for juniper is "ginepro," which sounds very much like "Ginevra." This was a clever way for Leonardo to include a hidden meaning related to the person in the portrait. It also adds a touch of nature to the painting.

The Back of the Painting

What's really interesting about Ginevra de' Benci is its back! The reverse side of the wooden panel is also painted. It features a wreath made of laurel and palm branches, along with a sprig of juniper. There's also a scroll with a Latin phrase that means "Beauty adorns virtue." This design further emphasizes Ginevra's good qualities. It was common for portraits of this time to have painted backs.

Why This Painting Is Important

Ginevra de' Benci is one of Leonardo da Vinci's earliest portraits. It shows his incredible talent even when he was a young artist. The painting is important because it helped shape the way portraits were made during the Renaissance. It also gives us a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families in 15th-century Florence. Its unique details and Leonardo's skill make it a timeless masterpiece.

Images for kids

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  Leonardo da Vinci, Study of a Woman's Hands, 1490

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  Reverse of the portrait