Lecture on Duke and Duchess of Urbino Portraits by Piero della Francesca

General Overview

The lecture is about two portraits: the Duke and Duchess of Urbino, Federico de Montefeltro and Battista Sforza.
Originally, these portraits were part of a diptych, joined by a hinge.
Created by Piero della Francesca, potentially using a death mask for Battista Sforza, who had just died.

Duke Federico de Montefeltro
- Shown in strict profile, facing left.
- Had suffered facial wounds, including a missing eye and part of his nose.
- The choice of profile could also relate to the tradition of Roman coinage.
Duchess Battista Sforza
- Also portrayed in a strict profile.
- Dressed elaborately, possibly reflecting societal norms around beauty, such as high foreheads.

Federico de Montefeltro was known for bringing Northern (Flemish) painters to his court.
Influence seen in:
- High foreheads, a beauty standard of the time.
- Intricate and specific landscape details with atmospheric perspective.
- Strict profile view, reminiscent of ancient Roman coins.

Profile Pose
- Adds formality and power to the figures.
- Symbolic of tradition and authority, akin to ancient Roman coin depictions.
Landscape View
- Figures tower over the landscape, symbolizing power and prestige.

Triumphal Chariots
- Painted on the exterior of the diptych.
- Represent figures with virtues, inspired by ancient Roman imagery.
- Battista Sforza is accompanied by virtues on her chariot.
- Federico's chariot includes justice, symbolized by scales and sword.
Unicorns and Iconography
- Battista’s chariot drawn by unicorns, adding a sense of fantasy.
- Landscape is imaginative, aiming to ennoble portrayed figures.
Classical Inscriptions
- Letters in Latin describe virtues represented in the chariots.