Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1535-1625) was born in Cremona into a high-born family. She was educated according to the values associated with virtuous women in the 16th century and her training was based on a solid knowledge of literature, music, dance, drawing and painting. She excelled in the latter field and was admired by Michelangelo, the leading figure in Italian art. After visiting the family, Giorgio Vasari also confirmed the young woman’s mastery of drawing and painting. In 1559, at the age of fourteen, she arrived in Spain through the Duke of Alba and the Duke of Sessa, governor of Milan. At the court of Philip II she worked as a court lady to Queen Isabella of Valois until her death in 1568, after which she entered the service of the king’s daughters (Isabella Clara Eugenia and Catherine Micaela) and Queen Anne of Austria, the king’s fourth and last wife. He remained with them until 1573, when he left for good to return to his place of origin. This small parchment (now a pendant) depicts one of the artist’s most cultivated facets, the self-portrait. In her hands she holds a medallion with an inscription in Latin that reads: “The maiden Sofonisba Anguissola, represented by her own hand, from a mirror, in Cremona”.
Collection: Images
Project: 11. Science and culture as representation in Europe.
Chronology: XVI
Scope: Baccalaureate, University
Resource type: Image
Format: Oil on parchment, 83x64 mm
Source: Museo de Bellas Artes de Boston
Language: English
Date: 1556
Owner: Blanca Rodríguez Hernández (Modernalia)
Identifier: 60,155
Copyright: Museo de Bellas Artes de Boston
Abstract: Miniature self-portrait of Sofonisba Anguissola, closed on 1556
Tags
Ana de AustriaAutorretrato en miniaturaAutorretratosCatalina MicaelaCorte de Felipe IIDama de corteFelipe IIGiorgio VasariIsabel Clara EugeniaIsabel de ValoisMiguel ÁngelMujeres pintorasPinturaPintura siglo XVIRenacimientoRenacimiento españolSofonisba Anguissola
