Portrait of a Young Woman

A young woman gently caresses a pearl hanging upon a gold chain near her navel, as she modestly glances towards the viewer. Her golden hair wrapped in braids, with small curls grazing her forehead, reflects the style of the era. She wears a silken dress with translucent lace upon the sleeves. The necklace, earrings and costly dress all underscore her affluence.

Titian executed the portrait either in Venice or Rome. The identity of the sitter may be a certain Angela, who was a courtesan of the Farnese Palace in Rome and lover of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese. The picture was displayed in the Farnese Palace, then transferred to Parma.The painting arrived to Naples during the 18th century.