Camilla Guerrieri's Portrait of Vittoria della Rovere

Authors

  • Liana De Girolami Cheney UMASS Lowell

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18533/xmn04z84

Keywords:

Camilla Guerrieri, Vittoria della Rovere, emblematic and symbolic portrait, honorific medals.

Abstract

This essay describes the symbolism in the recently discovered painting by Camilla Guerrieri Nati (1628–94), an 
Italian painter from the seventeenth century. The painting portrays Vittoria della Rovere, Grand Duchess of 
Tuscany, a remarkable woman who successfully governed Tuscany with her exceptional qualities of being 
well-educated, pious, valiant, and a historical ruler. Camilla's depiction of Vittoria della Rovere in the portrait 
is magnificent, as she captures her patron's spiritual beauty and wisdom. Vittoria della Rovere's significant 
contributions to expanding cultural diplomacy and her passion for the Fine Arts and popular art make her an 
admirable historical figure. She also created an environment for women to develop their literary skills and 
express themselves creatively, a remarkable achievement during those times. The Altomani Portrait of 
Vittoria della Rovere is a testament to Camilla Guerrieri's artistic talent and her patron's extraordinary legacy.

Author Biography

  • Liana De Girolami Cheney, UMASS Lowell

    Short Bio: Liana De Girolami Cheney, Ph.D., Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, Professor of Art History emerita from UMASS Lowell. Prof. Cheney is a Renaissance and Mannerist scholar, author, and coauthor of numerous articles and books, including Barbara Longhi of Ravenna: Art, Grace, and Piety (2023); Lavinia Fontana’s Mythological Paintings(2020); Self-Portraits by Female Painters (2000, rev. and paperback ed. 2009); Women Artists: “The Most Excellent Women Artists.” 2 vols (2003). Articles include painters such as Christine de Pizan, Sofonisba Anguissola, Julia Lama, Josef de Obidos, Evelyn de Morgan, and historical women Hypatia and Caterina Cornaro

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Published

2024-03-15

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