Answer:
While both paintings depict young women of the time as they're main subjects, there are quite a few differences that one might not notice at first glance. Its glaringly obvious the growth that da Vinci has achieved in his work by looking not only at the focus of the art, but also the background. His earlier work is very lacking in any background while the latter shows off his prowess in painting landscapes as well as portraits. The location of the models attention can also be seen as Leonardo gaining the confidence to allow people to watch him work. "Lady with Ermine" has a very cold color pallet whilst the "Mona Lisa" is bursting with warmth.
I believe that (A) allowed for function, historical significance, and aesthetics to all be important.
Function: The statues also function as the pillars of the building to hold the building up
Historical significance: The statues look to me to be carved with the impression of a certain ruler, and have historical significance of what the ruler have done carved on the bottom part of his 'clothing'.
Aesthetics: As this is a masterpiece, and uses art to express the history, Aesthetics is also used.
hope this helps
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