The Medici family crest
The Medici family, which Lucrezia was a part of, was one of the most powerful and influential families in Renaissance Italy and controlled politics and business during the time period. Their crest featured six red balls arranged in a pyramid shape. Their crest symbolized their wealth and power and became a common sight throughout Florence, where the family lived and conducted their business.
The oak tree
In Renaissance Italy, the oak tree symbolized strength, endurance, and stability. It was often used in art and architecture, which readers often see in The Marriage Portrait, especially because Lucrezia is a prolific artist. It was also associated with Rome, known as the "City of Oaks."
The fleur-de-lis
This fleur-de-lis, which is prevalent in the novel, is symbolic of purity, nobility, and virtue. It was commonly used in art and architecture and prevalent in Florence, which is where the novel is primarily set.
Artist
For Lucrezia, becoming an artist is symbolic of her freedom. Previously, she had been restricted by the cumbersome rules of her house and the expectations associated with it. However, after she left her family and became an artist, she felt free and unrestrained.
Feeling suffocated
Lucrezia feeling suffocated by her family's rules and expectations, as well as her marriage, is an essential motif in the book. Because of the aforementioned rules, Lucrezia was never truly able to be herself and could never pursue what she wanted, like art. Ultimately, Lucrezia leaves her marriage and family, meaning she can finally become herself and pursue what she wants.
