Interesting forensic info.
"His forensic investigation revealed that Cosimo I's wife Eleonora da
Toledo (1522-1562), beautifully portrayed by Agnolo Bronzino in a painting
on display at the National Gallery in Prague, was five feet tall (1.58
meter), had a protruding chin, twisted legs, suffered from toothache and
had shin splints, caused by an inflammation of the outer layer of the bone
that occurs often during the later stages of syphilis.
"However, the portrait shows a beautiful lady, and comparison with the
skull reveals that the painting is rather realistic, except for the chin.
The artist portrayed her from above, using a perspective trick. In this way
the chin appears more regular," Rollo said. "
"Renaissance Painters "Corrected" Portrait Features" May 10, 2005
http://www.sgallery.net/news/05_2005/10.php
BTW The Prague painting is online at
http://www.ngprague.cz/show_en.php?picName=a_7.jpg
http://www.ngprague.cz/main.php?language=en&pageid=a01
and a poster of it is available from them. I have the email if needed.
Hope that this is of some interest.
Beth Matney
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