Portrait of a Princess

Pisanello's Portrait of a Princess, dated around 1435-1440 and held in the Louvre, is one of the most celebrated profile portraits of the fifteenth century and a defining image of the International Gothic ideal of feminine beauty. The subject — likely a member of the Este court at Ferrara or the Sforza court at Milan, though her identity remains disputed — is depicted in strict profile in the manner derived from antique Roman coins and medals, for which Pisanello was also celebrated. The elaborate headband, jeweled collar, and embroidered dress demonstrate the extraordinary refinement of court fashion, while the flowers and butterflies of the background are rendered with a naturalist's precision characteristic of Pisanello's unique gifts.

Pisanello employs a neutral background scattered with flowers, butterflies, and columbines rather than the gold ground of altarpiece painting, achieving a remarkable sense of air and space. The profile is rendered with the precision of a medallist. The princess's elaborate dress is depicted with attention to embroidery and textile pattern.