# Portrait of a Lady with a Carnation

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/portrait-of-a-lady-with-a-carnation-r1d9f3390c7b734>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [MASTER of the Legend of Saint Ursula \(I\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c>)
- Date: 1451-1500
- Technique: Oil on oak panel, 24,5 x 20,3 cm

## Commentary

Although abraded in places, this little portrait proves that the Master of the Legend of St Ursula as a minor master was capable of a high degree of refinement and that he was an exceptionally talented colourist. The dark purple colour of the upper garment against the dark green-blue of the plain background creates a remarkably cool, almost nocturnal effect. The white carnation, which one would normally have expected to be red as the symbol of love, adds to the sober mood. Although there are no traces of hinges, it is not impossible that this little work had a separate man&#39;s portrait as its pendant. The meaning of the white carnation is unclear. The lighter halo around the head is probably the result of overcleaning.

## Related artworks

- [Angels Supporting the Veil of St Veronica](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/angels-supporting-the-veil-of-st-veronica-r4fa06871c8ee43>)
- [Diptych with the Virgin and Child and Three Donors](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/diptych-with-the-virgin-and-child-and-three-donors-r02967f86c42487>)
- [Head of Christ](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/head-of-christ-r81ea2391c4cde0>)
- [Legend of St Ursula \(closed\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/legend-of-st-ursula-closed-re443f5c3bff29f>)
- [Legend of St Ursula, the Church and the Synagogue](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/legend-of-st-ursula-the-church-and-the-synagogue-r8b6c01765cef05>)
- [Portrait of Ludovico Portinari](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/portrait-of-ludovico-portinari-r958941e60a4857>)
- [Scenes from the Life of St Ursula \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/scenes-from-the-life-of-st-ursula-detail-r02af529ae9b750>)
- [St Michael Fighting Demons](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/st-michael-fighting-demons-r89de93ef4ed856>)
- [St Veronica with the Sudarium](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/st-veronica-with-the-sudarium-r0fa91db0c3a5d9>)
- [The Martyrdom of St. Ursula and the 11,000 Virgins](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/the-martyrdom-of-st-ursula-and-the-11000-virgins-r164d41e25d1e83>)
- [Triptych of the Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/triptych-of-the-annunciation-detail-r3a12758bedfcc4>)
- [Triptych of the Annunciation \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/master-of-the-legend-of-saint-ursula-i-r443098c6753a7c/triptych-of-the-annunciation-detail-r53893802036b49>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)