Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine: The Love, the Genius, the Mystery

Who was the young woman holding the white ermine in one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most enigmatic portraits? In this episode of Curated by Asha, we uncover the extraordinary story of Cecilia Gallerani — poet, scholar, and the mistress of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan — and how her portrait became a timeless symbol of intellect, love, and power. Through detailed analysis of Leonardo’s technique, the symbolism of the ermine, and the social world of Renaissance Milan, we’ll explore how this painting transformed the very idea of what a portrait could be. From Leonardo’s subtle brushwork to the psychological depth in Cecilia’s gaze, Lady with an Ermine remains one of the most intimate and revolutionary works of Renaissance art. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 0:52 - Cecilia Gallerani & Ludovico Sforza 2:19 - Leonardo da Vinci in Milan 3:02 - Why the ermine? 3:57 - What made this painting revolutionary? 6:48 - Conservation questions 8:15 - History of the painting 13:07 - Summery