In this short film, Dr Leah Clark examines a small devotional image belonging to Duchess Eleonora D’Aragona of Ferrara from the fifteenth century. Once covered in velvet with clasps to close it, the painting is examined as a luxury object in the art collections of Eleonora d’Aragona but also as a devotional work. The painting drew on contemporary religious practices in Ferrara and Eleonora’s close ties with the Corpus Domini convent. Painted by the court painter Ercole de’ Roberti it is also discussed in terms of its complex composition, which spoke to humanist and religious practices at the court of Ferrara. Although very small, the painting inspired copies by artists in the Renaissance as well as today, including Michael Landy.

transcript of film

Related resources:

Teaching support sheet

Student handout

This film is also available on our youtube channel

We need your help! Our funding and support depends on feedback from you. Please take a few minutes to fill out this very short survey (6 questions, approx. 4 minutes).