Sebastiano del Piombo, Vittoria Colonna (?)

The books that surround the woman portrayed talk to us, surely, of her condition as poet.  She could possibly be Vittoria Colonna, friend and confidante of Michael Angelo Miquel Àngel. At other times she is identified with her friend and contemporary Giulia Gonzaga.

What we can be sure about is that she is a refined and cultured lady from 16th century Venice, and a lover of literature.  At the same time, however, the position and gesture of the portrayed lady denotes enough ambiguity to be able to speak about a courtesan with extensive knowledge.

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