Dosso Dossi is the pseudonymous of Giovanni di Niccoló de Luteri (1479-1542), a leader of the Ferrara School best known for his allegorical and mythological paintings. The artist worked for the court of the Dukes d’Este, and was influenced by the works of Giorgione and Tiziano, whom he had the opportunity to meet during a stay in Venice. Accentuated chromaticism, the use of chiaroscuro, and idyllic landscapes are among the most distinctive traits of his style.
The lemon tree on the side presumably symbolizes fertility and the faithfulness of true love.
