Saint Ursula with Angels and Donor, 1455, 47x28.6 Benozzo (Benozzo di Lese) Gozzoli (c.1420-1497)

The close-up view presents a female figure framed by a golden halo inscribed with Latin text. The womans face dominates the composition; her gaze is directed towards the viewer, conveying a sense of solemnity and perhaps gentle compassion. Her features are rendered with a delicate realism characteristic of early Renaissance portraiture – soft contours, subtle shading to suggest volume, and an overall impression of youthful beauty.
The hair, a cascade of golden curls, appears meticulously arranged, falling around her shoulders and partially obscuring the neckline of her crimson garment. The fabric itself is depicted with attention to its texture; the intricate beading at the collar suggests wealth and status. The halo’s inscription – SANCTA VRVLA VIRGO – immediately identifies the subject as a holy virgin, likely a saint.
The background, though partially obscured, reveals hints of a larger scene: a flag bearing heraldic colors and what appears to be a landscape receding into the distance. This suggests that the figure is part of a narrative or historical event. The limited color palette – dominated by reds, golds, and browns – contributes to a sense of reverence and formality.
Subtly, theres an interplay between earthly beauty and spiritual elevation. While the woman’s physical attributes are realistically portrayed, her halo and inscription firmly place her within a religious context. The artist seems intent on presenting not just a likeness but also a symbol of piety and virtue. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and devotional contemplation.