Portrait of a Young Woman with a Unicorn | Raphael | 1505-06

Painted when Raphael was still in his early twenties, Portrait of a Young Woman with a Unicorn reflects the refined beauty and harmony that would soon make him one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. The unidentified young woman sits calmly before an open landscape, dressed in luxurious clothing that reflects the fashion of the time. Resting in her lap is a small unicorn, a mythical creature traditionally associated with purity, innocence, and chastity, suggesting that the portrait may have celebrated the virtues expected of an unmarried noblewoman. For centuries, however, the painting's true appearance remained hidden. During the 17th century, the unicorn was painted over and replaced with a wheel and cloak, transforming the sitter into an image of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. It was only after careful X-ray examinations and restoration in the 20th century that conservators uncovered Raphael's original composition, revealing not only the unicorn but also evidence that the animal had originally been painted as a small dog—a common symbol of marital fidelity—before Raphael changed it. This remarkable history makes the painting both a masterpiece of Renaissance portraiture and a fascinating example of how artworks can evolve over centuries.