Attributed to Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis – Girl with Cherries Metropolitan Museum: part 4

The painting presents a young woman in a half-length portrait against a dark, undefined background. Her gaze is directed towards the viewer with a directness that establishes immediate connection. The artist has rendered her complexion as pale and luminous, contrasting sharply with the vibrant red of her hair, which cascades around her shoulders in loose, undulating waves. A delicate garland of leaves and berries adorns her head, secured by a small pendant suspended from a fine chain resting upon her chest.
The woman’s attire is noteworthy. She wears a gown featuring fitted sleeves of deep crimson, overlaid with sheer white fabric tied at the wrists. The bodice itself displays an intricate pattern of blue and gold embroidery, suggesting wealth and status. Her hands are clasped around a bowl overflowing with cherries, which she holds in a gesture that appears both offering and protective.
The color palette is dominated by reds, whites, and golds, creating a sense of warmth and opulence. The dark background serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to her features and the details of her clothing. Light falls softly upon her face and hair, highlighting their texture and emphasizing her youthful beauty.
Subtleties within the composition suggest layers of meaning beyond a simple likeness. The cherries themselves carry symbolic weight; they are often associated with innocence, fertility, and fleeting pleasure – themes frequently explored in Renaissance portraiture. The garland may allude to chastity or virtue, while the pendant could signify piety or familial connection. Her direct gaze, devoid of overt emotion, invites speculation about her identity and social standing. It is a look that suggests both confidence and perhaps a touch of melancholy, hinting at an inner life beyond what is immediately visible. The overall effect is one of restrained elegance and quiet dignity, characteristic of portraits intended to convey the sitter’s noble character.