Portrait of a Lady with a Carnation

During the sixteenth century, artists frequently traveled throughout Europe to complete commissioned portraits from higher-class patrons. Alonso Sánchez Coello traveled extensively for this purpose and completed some of the most recognized portraits of the time. Many of the portraits traditionally attributed to Sánchez Coello are now believed to be the work of other artists. The sitter of the Ponce painting is thought to be Maria de Portugal, the granddaughter of King Manuel I and wife of Alessandro Farnese, third Duke of Parma, who also had his portrait done by Sánchez. The red carnation that hangs from the sitter's neck probably serves as a symbol for marriage and fidelity.