How does Portrait of Giovanna Tornabuoni elucidate its Symbolism?
Many aspects of this portrait hold symbolic significance in emphasizing her wealth, status, and piety. Giovanna's fine clothing indicates her status and the wealth of her family. The Tornabuoni emblem is present on her clothes, as well as two "Ls" on her shoulder, referring to her husband, Lorenzo. These emblems denote Giovanna's family and illustrate where the visible wealth comes from. In addition to the clothes, the presence of pearls and brooches also emphasizes the family's wealth. The pendant featured in the portrait shows a small diamond set in gold above a large ruby with three pearls hanging beneath it. This was a signature ornament found in depictions of Giovanna and came from her sister-in-law Lodovica's dowry.Another symbol within the portrait is the string of coral beads. The coral beads seen in the background are likely a rosary, signifying Giovanna's religious piety. During the Renaissance, coral also had many connotations. It was believed to ward against evil, aid in fertility, and was associated with the blood of Christ.The book seen behind Giovanna, possibly a prayer book, also refers to her piety and educated status.A significant aspect of the background in this portrait is the cartellino behind Giovanna. The inscription is a modified excerpt of a poem by the author Martial. The epigram reads: "ARS VTINAM MORES ANIMVM QVE EFFINGERE POSSES PVLCHRIOR IN TERRIS NVLLA TABELLA FORET MCCCCLXXXVIII". This translates to "Art, would that you could represent character and mind! There would be no more beautiful painting on earth 1488". This epigram refers to both the virtue of the sitter whom it is positioned behind and the skill of the painter. By referring to Giovanna's beauty, Ghirlandaio conveys the beauty of the sitter reflects their morality. The adjustments to the epigram were likely a done by Poliziano, one of Lorenzo's teachers.
cartellino Martial epigram