Lorenzo di Credi (c.1459-1537)
Ritratto di una giovane donna (Portrait of a Young Woman)
c.1490–1500
Oil on wood, 58.7 x 40 cm
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
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. (MET)