In the context of Portrait of Laura Dianti, discuss the African Page of the Iconography.
There are a few interpretations of the child in the Portrait of Laura Dianti. Art historian Mary Rogers argues that the figure can be seen as an interpretation of her high social status. It was not uncommon at this time for women of high status to be portrayed with African pages at their side. Other interpretations include Rona Goffen’s assertion that the child represents a chaperone for the mistress. The intent of the chaperone image is to promote against the possible lustful gaze of men by attaching a child to the image. The child’s gaze to Laura Dianti, however, invites the viewer to do the same but in a more appropriate adoring manner.
Portrait of Laura Dianti Laura Dianti