Artwork
Weibliches Bildnis
Weibliches Bildnis is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Bernardino Licinio. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Weibliches Bildnis is a portrait painted in 1520 by Bernardino Licinio, a High Renaissance artist active in Venice and Lombardy. The work is classified within the Mannerist movement and is housed in the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a woman with dark hair, dressed in a light-colored gown with dark trim, and adorned with subtle jewelry. She is engaged with an open book, suggesting intellectual or literary inclinations. Her contemplative pose and the emphasis on her face imply a focus on her inner life.
Technique & Style
Licinio employs a Mannerist style, characterized by detailed rendering of the subject's attire and an emphasis on expressive qualities. The use of chiaroscuro—a strong contrast between light and dark—draws attention to the woman's face, set against a plain, dark background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1520, Weibliches Bildnis is part of Licinio's oeuvre, which primarily consists of portraits and religious works. The painting is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection.
Context
As a Mannerist piece, Weibliches Bildnis reflects the stylistic shifts of the early 16th century, moving away from the harmony of the High Renaissance towards more expressive and emotionally charged representations.
Legacy
While specific impact of Weibliches Bildnis on subsequent art movements is not broadly documented, it contributes to the understanding of Mannerist portraiture and Licinio's contribution to this style.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bernardino Licinio (c. 1489 in Poscante – 1565) was an Italian High Renaissance painter of Venice and Lombardy. He mainly painted portraits and religious canvases.
