Isabella of Aragon, 1470-1524, Wife of Giangaleazzo Sforza, Duke of Milan, 1489 [obverse] 1507

In this bronze piece made in 1489, Giancristoforo Romano immortalizes Isabella of Aragon, wife of the Duke of Milan. Observe the profile portrait, a common motif in antiquity revived during the Renaissance to evoke the glory of ancient rulers. Isabella’s composed expression, framed by her noble garments, speaks to her status and virtue. Yet, such profiles are not merely about likeness; they are imbued with a symbolic language. Consider the way the figure is cut off at the neck; a motif echoed through different times, from ancient Roman coins to Neoclassical busts. This truncation directs our gaze and concentrates our attention on the face, distilling the essence of the individual. This act of framing is a visual metaphor, elevating the sitter to an almost divine status, transforming a person into an enduring symbol of power and intellect. The emotional restraint in Isabella’s face engages the viewer on a deep level, inviting us to contemplate the mysteries of human character and the enduring power of the past. This symbol continues to evolve, adapting to new aesthetic and cultural needs, yet its essential function remains: to capture and convey something profound about the human condition.