Princess Vitelli (Lady Holding a Rabbit) 1921

This is Timothy Cole's "Princess Vitelli (Lady Holding a Rabbit)," a wood engraving dating back to the late 19th or early 20th century. Cole, born in London and working in the United States, made a name for himself reproducing European masterpieces. This image invites us to consider the dynamics of portraiture and representation across time. Cole's engraving is based on an original painting by Leonardo da Vinci, itself a depiction of a noblewoman. In choosing to recreate this painting, Cole engages in a dialogue with the Renaissance, while also reflecting the tastes and interests of his own era. Consider the role of women in art, both as subjects and creators. How does the identity of the sitter—her social standing, her gender—shape the way she is portrayed? The softness of the rabbit in her arms, the slight smile on her face, all contribute to a carefully constructed image of feminine virtue and grace. Cole’s work encourages us to consider the layers of interpretation that accrue as images are copied, circulated, and re-contextualized across time.