Italian, Venice
The Birth of Caterina Cornaro, 16th century
Oil on maple panel , 40.6 x 50.8 cm (16 x 20 in.)
General admission for children 17 years and under is always free
This oil painting depicts the celebration of a birth that includes a multitude of standing figures in three horizontal rows. At our left of the middle row is a female figure and baby in a four-poster bed with a canopy. Four putti who hold garlands and have green wings are flying above the bed. A female figure in a long gray dress is standing at the head of the bed closest to the viewer. There is another female figure dressed in a red gown shown kneeling at the end of the bed and two other figures are kneeling on the far side of the bed. Three light-skinned nude female figures wearing garlands of flowers on their heads and bodies are gathered at the foot of the bed. Extending from the end of the bed to our right is a line of standing male and female figures that bear gifts. All are dressed in long gowns and many have hats or scarves on their heads. The line of figures in the foreground are similarly dressed, two with tall pointed headwear. Two small figures are in the line, along with several dark-skinned figures who are dressed in what appears to be non-European garb. The shorter line in the background includes similarly hatted figures and a child. To our upper right is a cloaked and hooded figure standing in front of a large fireplace. Next to that are three figures working a large kitchen table and a shelf of cooking utensils on the back wall. There is a figure in an open doorway through which a blue mountain is visible in the distance. In the middle of the back wall is a tiered display of white china and pitchers. In the upper corner to our left stands a group of women with musical instruments. Several paintings adorn the walls.
Veronese Room
Commentary
Isabella Gardner bought this painting in 1895 as a depiction of the birth of Caterina Cornaro, the Venetian queen of Cyprus. Caterina lived a dramatic life. Born in Venice, she married the king of Cyprus, an island that provided a gateway to the Middle East. She became queen in her own right, but was rigidly controlled by Venetian agents, and was eventually forced to abdicate.
Isabella was especially drawn to important Renaissance women and collected their portraits or objects associated with them.
Isabella was especially drawn to important Renaissance women and collected their portraits or objects associated with them.