"during the 16th century, fashion was dictated by the european courts - mainly those of italy, france, germany, england and spain. Characteristic elements in the clothing of certain nations were evident to the population of the time. The courts sought to differentiate themselves according to the style of their emulators. This portrait corresponds to isabel de médici, daughter of the ii duke of florence cosimo i de médici and leonor álvarez de toledo. She wears a red silk velvet dress with a wide neckline, covered by a bodice—the upper piece to which the collar, sleeves, and the rest of the garment are attached—made of venetian lace adorned with pearls. The presence of this precious stone in clothing was exclusively for nobility women. The bulky shoulder pads are of the slashed style, in which the seams are open or deliberately cut into a garment and the lining is left visible—one of the most characteristic motifs in fashion at the end of the renaissance. The gold belt decorated with precious stones at the waist is an additional symbol of wealth. The middle-parted hairstyle held by a discreet headdress composed of a gold hairnet with a pearl diadem, along with the presence of a dog—a symbol of fidelity, love and loyalty—indicates that at the time of this portrait she was married to paolo giordano orsini, duke of bracciano. In this period single women were represented with their hair down. " [1]. Date: 16th century. Dimensions: height: 129 cm (50.7 in); width: 106 cm (41.7 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Collection: Franz Mayer Museum. Alessandro Allori - Isabel de Medici
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