<Tab/>Giorgio da Castelfranco, c.1476-78 - 1510, better known as Giorgione, was a Venetian painter of the Italian High Renaissance. He lived a short life, passing away from the plague during his thirties, leaving behind a small, but beautiful compilation of compositions. One of his most famed works is Portrait of a Woman 1506 (Figure1.) also known as Laura. This painting has mystified art history scholars with its interpretation of the sitter's …showed first 75 words of 1575 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1575 total…The laurel's prominence is more likely associated with the sitter's trade and her literary achievements as a courtesan. Furthermore, visually Laura lacks the submissive demeanor and classic modesty expected of a Venetian wife. For Giorgione portrays a highly sexualized woman; the soft flesh of an exposed breast nestled in warm fur, and her enticing, relaxed composure in a state of undress is an unimaginable poise for a reputable woman. Giorgione's Laura is surely a courtesan.