Ottavio Leoni - Noble With Floral Diadem. Oil On Paper Applied On Cloth, Around 1620-30

 This oil painting on paper expresses a deep psychological introspection. The Painter manages to capture in a glance the essence of a woman who, although not very beautiful, manifests a delicate inner beauty. The floral tiara of a bride-to-be caresses her hair, and with long earrings and a double necklace they surround her face, as if to enhance the promise of the gift of intense love and fidelity to her future husband. The painting, which is linked to the Roman school of the early 17th century, responds to the vigorous characterizations of the drawings and mixed techniques of Ottavio Leoni, of which we report a work attributed to him that reflects the same style and delicate sensitivity.