Ginevra aldrovandi's husband, the bolognese senator ercole hercolani, died in 1593. Her elaborate mourning costume-with costly brocade, lace, and pearls-indicates her high social status. She holds a handkerchief, suggesting the tears she shed at her husband's death. The lapdog is her pet, but it also carries symbolic significance. During the 16th century, a widow who did not re-marry, staying faithful to her husband's memory, was often compared to a dog that was faithful to its master. Object Type: painting. Genre: portrait. Date: circa 1595 (Renaissance). Place of creation: Bologna. Dimensions: height: 114.9 cm (45.2 in); width: 94.9 cm (37.3 in); Painted surface height: 115 cm (45.2 in); width: 95 cm (37.4 in); with frame: height: 137.8 cm (54.2 in); width: 117.7 cm (46.3 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Collection: Walters Art Museum. Lavinia Fontana - Portrait of Ginevra Aldrovandi Hercolani - Walters 371915
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