Eleonora of Aragon
by TURA, Cosmè, Tempera and gold on vellum, 240 x 160 mm
This miniature, attributed to Cosm� Tura, is from the manuscript “Del modo di regere e di regnare” by Antonio Cornazzano. This treatise on the manner of ruling was composed between September 1478 and February 1479. when Eleonora took the reins of government during the absence of her husband, Duke Ercole I d’Este.
In the miniature, the duchess is shown in strict profile, her gloved hand receiving a rod of rulership from God’s hand. Tura is not documented as a miniaturist, but he often worked on a miniature scale. However, it cannot be excluded that the miniature was painted by a professional miniaturist after the design of Tura.