Woman with a Unicorn

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: "Woman with a Unicorn." nn This intriguing work, painted between 1510 and 1520, draws us into a scene of quiet mystery. Displayed here in the Rijksmuseum, it measures just 39 by 28 centimeters, yet its size belies its captivating presence. The unknown artist presents us with a young woman, elegantly attired in red, seated in a verdant landscape. Beside her rests a unicorn, its mythical presence lending an air of enchantment to the scene. nn Notice how the woman gently holds the unicorn's horn, her gaze directed downwards in a moment of quiet contemplation. The artist masterfully employs a palette of rich greens and browns, creating a sense of depth and serenity. Soft, diffused light bathes the scene, further enhancing the atmosphere of tranquility. nn "Woman with a Unicorn" speaks to the enduring fascination with medieval allegory, particularly the popular motif of the unicorn in captivity. The unicorn, long symbolizing purity and grace, was believed only to be subdued by a virgin. This painting, therefore, likely embodies this symbolic narrative, inviting us to ponder themes of innocence, virtue, and the divine.