Davide Ghirlandaio painted the portrait of Selvaggia Sassetti around 1487. This artwork is not only an interesting portrait but also a reflection of Renaissance culture. The woman, who was born in 1470, has curly hair and wears an elegant green dress. Her serious expression draws attention and suggests a strong personality. The dark background highlights her face and clothes, creating a striking contrast that adds depth to the image. Ghirlandaio used tempera, which is a type of paint made from natural pigments mixed with a binding agent, to achieve vibrant colors. The red necklace, which hangs gracefully around her neck, adds a colorful detail to her appearance. Portraits like this one often show beauty and character, emphasizing the social status of women in this period. In Renaissance society, artists like Ghirlandaio captured not only the physical appearance of their subjects but also elements of their personality and status. If viewers look closely, they can see how the artist conveys the importance of women within their families and communities. The work belongs to the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it has attracted many visitors. Observers often appreciate the skillful technique of Ghirlandaio, who has become one of the renowned painters of the Renaissance, celebrated for his detailed and engaging portraits.
B1 · Intermediate · 215 words · ~1 min
Davide Ghirlandaio (David Bigordi) · ca. 1487–88 · Tempera on wood · The Met

Understanding Selvaggia Sassetti
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- tempera
- a type of paint made from natural pigments mixed with a liquid binder like egg or water.
- elegant
- graceful and stylish in appearance.
- portraits
- paintings or drawings of a person, showing their face and expression.
- Renaissance
- a period in European history (14th-17th century) that marked a revival of art and learning.
- vibrant
- bright and strong in color or personality.
- culture
- the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.Who painted the portrait of Selvaggia Sassetti?
2.What technique did Ghirlandaio use for the painting?
3.Where can you find the painting of Selvaggia Sassetti today?















































