Where to See Lady with a Unicorn: Borghese Gallery, Rome

Raphael completed this Lady with a Unicorn around 1506, showing a young woman holding a small unicorn. The composition echoes Leonardo's Mona Lisa: the subject sits before a landscape, hands folded, turning slightly toward the viewer.

X-rays revealed the painting was altered over time. The unicorn was originally a dog, then painted over with a wheel (attribute of Saint Catherine), before restoration revealed the unicorn. The mythical creature symbolizes chastity and purity, suggesting this may be a wedding portrait. The sitter's identity remains unknown. The painting hangs in the Borghese Gallery.

In medieval and Renaissance symbolism, unicorns represent chastity and purity. They could only be tamed by virgins. The creature suggests this may be a portrait celebrating a bride's virtue.

No. X-rays show the unicorn was originally a dog, then painted over as a wheel (Saint Catherine's attribute), before conservators revealed the unicorn.

The sitter's identity is unknown. She may be a young noblewoman portrayed for her betrothal or marriage. Some scholars have proposed specific candidates, but none are confirmed.

Lady with a Unicorn

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