Lady Writing on Bark

A seated young lady is using a brush to write on the bark of a tree, on which the letters "ANGELICA E M" can be deciphered. It cannot be determined whether this was an allusion to a musical drama entitled “Angelica e Medoro”, which was especially popular at that time,or whether it is a message of love in which the girl connects her own name with that of the miniature’s recipient. She is dressed according to the fashion of the late 17th century when, after the Revolution, clothing became much more natural and casual. Her dress is made of light, white fabric and has a plunging neckline exposing her shoulder; her scarf, worn over her dress, replaces a coat; and her hair is curly and unpowdered. All these aspects of her appearance are typical of the empire fashion. The lady’s naturalness and casualness are echoed in the background, which is filled with abundant bushes and trees. The application of colour in glazes and the precise, extremely delicate brushstrokes are characteristic features of the Italian miniaturists.

D. O.