Ginevra's Story

Visual Arts Curated Video/DVD Collection


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Ginevra's Story - Currently Unavailable

Ginevra de Benci, the first portrait by Leonardo da Vinci and his only painting in the Western Hemisphere, is both haunting and hypnotic. Utilizing the potential of X-ray analysis, infrared reflectography, and the power of computer technology, this program delves beneath the surface of the painting to unveil fascinating stories about both Ginevra and Leonardo. One of only three extant portraits of women by Leonardo, this portrait depicts the melancholy sixteen-year-old against the background of a juniper bush (ginevro in Italian, a play on her name). It was acquired by the National Gallery in 1967 for the then record price of $5 million. At some point in its history, the painting was cut off at the bottom and one side. Experts use computer technology to reconstruct the missing parts of the painting. Narrated by Meryl Streep.

Curator's Comments: Fascinating story of the woman, the artist, the painting. Very accessible presentaton of the art historical scholarship, conservation techniques, and computer technology brought to bear on this exquisite work. The story of Ginevra, who was married to a middle-aged widower when she was just sixteen, should intrigue adolescent girls.

DATE: 1999

COUNTRY: United States

CREDITS:
Director: Christopher Swann
Producer: Richard Somerset Ward
Executive Producer: Joseph J. Krakora; Ellen Bryant
Producing Agency: National Gallery of Art, Washington

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:
55 minutes Color

TOPICS:
Art & Science
Painting--Renaissance
Portraits

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