Lady with an Ermine
The artist
Leonardo da Vinci, the Italian Renaissance genius who was also an inventor and scientist.
What you see
A young woman turns gently to one side, cradling a small white animal with soft fur in her arms.
The story
Painted around 1490, it shows Cecilia Gallerani, a clever young woman at the court of Milan who loved poetry and music.
The style
Leonardo made her look alive with soft shadows and a gentle turn of her head, as if she just heard someone call her name.
Look closer
The little white animal is an ermine, and Leonardo painted its paws and eyes so carefully it looks ready to move.
Where to see it
You can find this portrait at the Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, Poland.
Fun fact
It is one of only a few paintings of women by Leonardo, which makes it very special and rare.