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Lucrezia CrivelliThe favorite of the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza
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Content:
- Lucrezia Crivelli: A Prominent Figure in the Milanese Court
- The Model of Leonardo's "La Belle Ferronière"?
- A Royal Affair
- Exile and Patronage
- Legacy and Artistic Significance
Lucrezia Crivelli: A Prominent Figure in the Milanese Court
Lucrezia Crivelli was a celebrated figure in the court of Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan. She became the Duke's mistress around 1496 and bore him an illegitimate son, Giovanni Paolo I Sforza.
The Model of Leonardo's "La Belle Ferronière"?
Lucrezia Crivelli has been suggested as the possible model for Leonardo da Vinci's famous portrait, "La Belle Ferronière." The timeline and the woman's opulent attire support the notion that she was an important figure at the Milanese court during Leonardo's first period there.
A Royal Affair
As the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Lucrezia's position was both elevated and precarious. The Duke's wife, Beatrice d'Este, resented their affair and unsuccessfully attempted to remove Lucrezia from the court. However, tragedy struck in 1497 when Beatrice died in childbirth, leaving the Duke grief-stricken and indifferent toward his mistress.
Exile and Patronage
After Ludovico's death in 1508, Lucrezia and her son fled Milan during the French occupation. They sought refuge in Mantua under the protection of Isabella d'Este, Beatrice's older sister. Lucrezia lived a comfortable life in Cremona and later in Rocca di Canneto, supported by the Este family.
Legacy and Artistic Significance
Whether or not Leonardo's "La Belle Ferronière" truly depicts Lucrezia Crivelli remains a subject of debate. However, the existence of epigrams praising her beauty in Leonardo's notebooks suggests that he did create a portrait of her. Lucrezia Crivelli's story serves as a testament to the intricacies of courtly life and the enduring allure of Leonardo's enigmatic masterpiece.