Princess of Urbino 

Desiderio da Settignano, around 1460, created this marble bust of the Princess of Urbino. Notice the sculpture's smooth, pale surface, its gentle curves creating a sense of serene beauty. The subtle play of light and shadow across her features gives the marble a lifelike quality. The refined detail in her hair and drapery demonstrates the artist's skill in carving and polishing the stone. Da Settignano uses the classical style, but softens it with a naturalism, portraying the princess with a unique personality. This blend can be seen as a reflection of Renaissance humanism, valuing both classical ideals and individual expression. The marble itself is not merely a medium, but a signifier of status, power, and wealth, linking the princess to classical ideals of beauty and virtue. The artwork destabilizes established meanings, inviting us to reconsider conventional ideas about beauty and representation. It serves as a cultural artifact, reflecting ongoing interpretations and re-interpretations.