Giuditta (Maria Costanza) Pasta is remembered as one of the 19th century’s greatest performers of melodrama. This singer developed her art all over Europe, although Milan always remained at the centre of her cultural roots and affection. In this painting, Gioacchino Serangeli portrays her with a dreamy look, an almost lunar figure, in sharp contrast to the background. As Vincenzo Bellini’s inspirational muse, she alone could be forgiven for a few faults with intonation and despite a unsuccessful operatic debut at La Scala with "Norma" (1831), her critical fortunes were revived by subsequent performances and she went on to become an icon of her times.