Explore the Composition about the Painting of this artwork.
This painting marks Giorgione's transition from the style of Giovanni Bellini to taking inspiration from the work of Leonardo da Vinci. The use of muted coloring and shading of sfumato is inspired by da Vinci's works. The softening of the contours around the face of the woman is also influenced by da Vinci, creating a more intimate, enigmatic portrait.
Behind the young woman is a branch of laurel (Laurus), a symbol of chastity or of poets, and carrying the nuptial veil. The gesture of opening the fur mantle uncovers the bosom.  This may indicate fecundity (and, therefore, maternity) as an offer of love and a marriage blessed with children.  As the laurel symbolized virtue, so the visible breast could symbolize the bride's conjugal fidelity.The laurel was considered a symbol of virtue, as seen in Lorenzo de' Medici's "impresa", where it was accompanied by the motto: "Ita ut virtus".  The veil wound about her shoulders and upper body is a bridal veil, and her bared right breast alludes to the proverbial chastity of the Amazons, who, according to antique legend, tolerated men only as a means of sexual reproduction, not, however, as a means of sexual gratification. Since contemporary morality permitted sexual reproduction only within the institution of marriage, the allusion to the Amazons implied a wife's commitment to conjugal fidelity.It is only from the prudish perspective of the 19th or early 20th century that the baring of a breast would be viewed as meretricious.  In the 16th century, nudity did not provoke disapproval, but was shown publicly and uninhibitedly.  This painting, too, was publicly shown, probably by a proud noble who wished to celebrate his bride's attractiveness - her full build was entirely in keeping with contemporary Venetian ideals of beauty - as well as her virtue and chastity.
Giovanni Bellini laurel Laurus nuptial veil Lorenzo de' Medici Leonardo da Vinci Giorgione impresa chastity