La Fornarina
1750
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1750
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting depicts a nude woman sitting in front of a dark background, with her body facing the viewer and her head turned slightly to the side. Her hair is covered with a cloth, and she wears a cloth draped over her left shoulder and arm. The woman's right hand rests on her lap, while her left hand holds the cloth in place. The painting features a range of tones, from light to dark, which creates a sense of depth and volume. The woman's skin is rendered in smooth, curved lines, while the background is darker and more muted. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, drawing the viewer's eye to the woman's face and body. To learn more about this technique, look up chiaroscuro.