Why it matters
Tradition identifies this young woman as the baker's daughter Margherita Luti, Raphael's lover, and she wears an armband signed 'Raphael Vrbinas'. Whether she is a real person, an idealised beauty or a courtesan is still debated.
Did you know?
- It was painted in 1518–1519.
- It was probably still in Raphael's studio when he died in 1520.
- X-rays show a Leonardo-style landscape under the myrtle bush in the background.
Based on the Wikipedia article La Fornarina (CC BY-SA 4.0).
