Madame de Canaples (Marie d'Assigny, 1502 - 58)

"Madame de Canaples (Marie d'Assigny, 1502 - 58)", a captivating portrait from 1525, hangs before you. This remarkable piece, part of the Scottish National Gallery's collection, offers us a glimpse into the life of a noblewoman from the 16th century. nn The unknown artist masterfully captures Madame de Canaples's elegance and poise. She stands in front of us, almost emerging from the dark background, drawing our attention to her attire and her serene expression. The rich red of her dress, a popular choice for noblewomen of the time, is beautifully rendered, and the intricate details of her gold chain and the white underdress at her wrists speak to her status and wealth. nn Notice the fine details the artist has captured: the delicate lacework on her French hood, the sparkle of her rings, and the soft glow on her hands. These elements bring Madame de Canaples to life, allowing us to imagine her presence in the courtly world she inhabited. nn This portrait, measuring just 0.285 meters wide and 0.36 meters tall, demonstrates the power of portraiture in capturing not just a likeness, but also the essence of an individual.