There’s an intriguing story behind how „Lady with an Ermine”, a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, ended up in Kraków. I’m sure you’re as eager as I am to dive into this story. This fascinating painting, one of the most valuable creations of the Leonardo da Vinci, resides in the Princes Czartoryski Museum in Krakow, and it’s the only Leonardo da Vinci piece in the Polish collections.
I think we all know Leonardo da Vinci, right? He’s one of the most renowned artists of all time, an Italian maestro whose unique paintings are showcased in museums worldwide. They attract a flood of visitors and have shattered auction records. However, there’s one painting, probably created around 1489, that stands out for a unique reason. You guessed it – it’s the „Lady with an Ermine”.
- You may also like to read: Top 13 Must-See Museums in Krakow – You Private Guide
„Lady with an Ermine” – The Jewel of Polish Art Collections
Now, let’s get into how this valuable painting ended up in Kraków. The „Lady with an Ermine” was bought by the state in late December, along with the entire Princes Czartoryski Foundation collection. And guess what? It cost a whopping 100 million euros! This precious piece is the only Leonardo da Vinci painting in Poland, making it the most valuable artwork in the Polish collection.
If you need to know a bit more about the painting, it’s an exquisite portrayal of Cecilia Gallerani, a young lady of the Milanese court and the mistress of Duke Ludovico Sforza.
↳ Make sure to read my guide to the most amazing places to stay in Kraków:
How to Find Best Place to Stay in Krakow Old Town – Your Guide
The painting, crafted around 1490, is 53.4 cm high and 39.3 cm wide and was carefully painted on a walnut board. Quite impressive, isn’t it?
A Painting with a Traveling History
But how did this Italian masterpiece end up in Kraków? I can tell you that Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski acquired the painting around 1800. It was then passed to his mother, Princess Izabela Czartoryska née Fleming, who, in 1801, opened the first public museum in Poland in Puławy.
I believe it is worth to say that from October 2009 to February 2012, the painting toured outside of Krakow, appearing in Budapest, Warsaw, Madrid, Berlin, and London. Although these travels stirred some controversy, they helped to share the painting with a wider audience.
In April 2011, an agreement was signed stating that the painting would remain in Poland for at least 10 years after returning in spring 2012. The only exception would be special circumstances agreed upon by all parties. As of May 2012, the painting has been displayed at Wawel Castle. And, being there, you need to know that this journey of the painting is a testament to its enduring appeal and importance.
The Path of the „Lady with an Ermine” to Kraków
Now, let’s delve into how this priceless painting finally found its way to Kraków. The Princes Czartoryski Foundation decided in December 2016 to sell its entire collection, including the coveted portrait by Leonardo, to the State Treasury for a hefty sum of EUR 100 million. From 2012, the painting was proudly displayed at Wawel, and from May 2017, you could marvel at it in the Main Building of the National Museum in Krakow.
- You should also read: The Krakow National Museum – Must-See Artworks
Finally, in 2019, the „Lady with an Ermine” made a triumphant return to its original home. After years of meticulous restoration, the painting was once again hung in the Princes Czartoryski Museum room.
Unmasking the Lady in the „Lady with an Ermine”
So, who is the fascinating lady gracing the painting? Let me introduce you to Cecilia Gallerani. Although she hailed from a non-noble family in Siena, she was bestowed with a thorough education.
I think it’s safe to say that Cecilia wasn’t just another pretty face. She was beautiful, yes, but also intelligent. She was admired by the intellectual and noble elites of Milan, where she lived with her parents. A lover of philosophy and poetry, Cecilia also penned poems, though sadly none have survived.
Fluent in Latin and Greek, Cecilia met Prince Louis Sforza in 1489. This was around the same time when he was preparing to marry Beatrice d’Este, Duchess of Bari. Despite this, Cecilia soon found herself pregnant with Louis’ child, Cesare.
- If you want to read more secret stories about this painting, check this article too: The Hidden Stories Behind Da Vinci’s „Lady with an Ermine”
Scandal in the Milanese Court
During her pregnancy, Louis demanded Cecilia remain at court until her delivery. This caused quite a stir, leading to gossip and family tensions. Louis, however, was unable to abandon his future wife. To resolve the situation, he gifted Cecilia land in Saronno and arranged her marriage to Louis Carminati de Brambilla, Count of Bergamino. Young Cesare received the Carmagnola Palace in Milan from his father, where he lived with his mother and stepfather.
Cecilia continued her passion for poetry throughout her life, publishing her works in Italian and Latin. She passed away in Cremona in 1536, but her legacy lives on, not just in the captivating „Lady with an Ermine”, but also through her intelectual contributions.
The Symbolism Behind the Animal
Let’s talk about interesting question about the painting. Is the animal in Cecilia’s arms an ermine or a weasel? Ludwik’s affection for Cecilia is believed to have endured over time, prompting him to commission Leonardo to capture his beloved’s likeness. In this portrait, Leonardo elected to depict Cecilia cradling an animal from the mustelid family.
Most art historians are pretty sure it’s an ermine. But, I am convinced, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. They highlight that the creature could allude to the duke’s nickname 'Ermellino’ (which means ermine) and Cecilia’s surname Gallerani, bearing a resemblance to the Greek ’galé,’ which means ’weasel.’
On the flip side, some historians have observed that the animal’s front paw doesn’t quite match those of mustelid family members. According to one theory, at the time when Leonardo was painting Cecilia’s portrait, she was carrying Ludwik’s child, despite him being betrothed to Beatrice. I can tell you, it was a clever move on the artist’s part to subtly hint at this delicate situation. Perhaps, the animal was represented as the lovers’ „confidant and secret keeper„.
Remember, in art and culture, the ermine often symbolizes purity, while the weasel represents motherhood. I believe only a genius like Leonardo da Vinci could pull off such a balancing act of symbolism.
Kraków – The Current Home of the „Lady with an Ermine”
Now, if you’re wondering where the „Lady with an Ermine” is presently housed, I’ve got the answer for you. However, the painting’s exact whereabouts remained a mystery until the late 18th century. As I already explained, in 1788, Prince Adam Jerzy Czartoryski acquired the painting as a gift for his mother Izabela.
In 1801, Izabela opened the first public museum in Poland, known as the Gothic House in Puławy, which became the painting’s first exhibition home. However, during the November Uprising, the painting was whisked away to Paris to protect it from looting invaders.
By the end of the 19th century, the painting had made its way back to Poland. It was transported to Krakow, where a new museum for the Czartoryski family was being established. But, in 1939, the Nazis seized Cecilia’s portrait. For several years, it adorned the wall of Hans Frank’s Wawel residence before being moved to Germany. Thankfully, this masterpiece was restored to Poland in 1946, where it continues to captivate viewers to this day.
References:
- https://gazetakrakowska.pl/dama-wrocila-do-domu-muzeum-ksiazat-czartoryskich-po-dziewieciu-latach-znow-otwarlo-swe-podwoje/ar/c13-14668537
- https://www.musement.com/pl/krakow/bilet-wstepu-na-wystawe-z-dama-z-gronostajem-leonarda-da-vinci-60348/
