Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index

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Click to view high resolution image Title: Federico da Montefeltro and His Wife Battista Sforza Creator: Piero della Francesca, painter Description: This diptych profile portrait of Federico and Battista imbues this work with the authority of classical portraiture. They are set in a naturalistic landscape that, through the use of atmospheric perspective, appears to stretch out with no apparent end. The couple, however, are close to the picture plane, wear luxurious clothing and are quite large--each figure occupies nearly all of the space on its respective diptych wing. Thus the viewer simultaneously receives an imposing view of husband and wife while also observing their social prowess: ships at the coast are intended to demonstrate the military power of Federico, who led troops for Naples, Milan and the Papacy, and the fortresses present in this image also attest to the elevated military status of this couple. Source: WikiMedia Commons: Web Gallery of Art: #17626 Rights: Public domain Subject (See Also): Classical Influences Federico da Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino Profile Portraits Sforza, Battista, Wife of Federico da Montefeltro Geographic Area: Italy Century: 15 Date: ca. 1467-1472 Related Work: On reverse of panels: A pair of white horses pulls a chariot carrying Federico, and a pair of unicorns pulls another chariot carrying Battista. Federigo wears armor, is crowned by Glory and is surrounded by the personifications of Justice, Wisdom, Valor a Current Location: Florence, Uffizi Gallery Original Location: Artistic Type (Category): Digital images; Paintings Artistic Type (Material/Technique): Panel paintings; Tempera Donor: Height/Width/Length(cm): 47cm (each)/33cm (each)/ Inscription: Related Resources:

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