Shamhat Meets Leonardo Da Vinci - Lady with an Ermine (1489-1491)
Description
This painting entitled Lady with an Ermine was made by Da Vinci in 1489 -1491. This painting was commissioned by Ludovico Sforza, patron of Leonardo da Vinci. In this painting Da Vinci painted Cecilia Gallerani, the mistress of Ludovico Sforza. In the painting Cecilia is holding an ermine as she modeled the painting. Ludovica Sforza is the Duke of Milan. The stoat became a symbol of nobility for the Sforza family who were rulers of Milan at that time.