Why is Sofonisba Anguissola important?

Sofonisba Anguissola, (born c. 1532, Cremona [Italy]—died November 1625, Palermo), late Renaissance painter best known for her portraiture. She was one of the first known female artists and one of the first women artists to establish an international reputation.

What did Sofonisba Anguissola study?

Although there were some female artists, they usually came from families with an artist father who took the role of master. However, Anguissola received education in arts under the tutorship of a master, something uncommon for a woman. In her early years, Anguissola mostly painted family portraits and self-portraits.

What did Sofonisba Anguissola do during her time as the court painter of Spain?

By 1559, her fame as a female portrait painter had spread outside Italy, and King Philip II of Spain requested that she become a lady-in-waiting to his young queen, Elisabeth of Valois. During her time at the Spanish court, Anguissola tutored the queen in drawing and painting.

Who was Sofonisba Anguissola inspired by?

Inspired by reading Il Cortigiano by Baldassare Castiglione, a book of manners in courtly life, Amilcare Anguissola encouraged his six daughters to follow their talents and supported them in pursuing a well-rounded education. With his encouragement, Sofonisba and four of her sisters took up painting.

Where is Sofonisba Anguissola from?

Cremona, Italy
Sofonisba Anguissola/Place of birth

Where did Sofonisba Anguissola learn to paint?

A painter and portraitist, Sofonisba Anguissola was born in Cremona, Italy, the daughter of noble parents. She studied painting in Cremona and in 1554 traveled to Rome, where she met Michelangelo, who agreed to critique copies she made of his sketches.

When did Sofonisba Anguissola born?

1535, Cremona, Italy
Sofonisba Anguissola/Born

How many self portraits did Sofonisba Anguissola paint?

Interestingly, Sofonisba painted at least twelve self-portraits at a time when this was not a particularly common subject for artists (in the next century, Rembrandt would be the first artist to make the self-portrait a major part of his oeuvre).

What did Sofonisba Anguissola create?

She had the ability to create life-like, sophisticated portraits that were intellectually engaging and flattering at the same time. She used self-portraits to promote and define herself, and she then turned this skill toward creating official portraits of the Spanish royal house that advertised their ability to rule.

Why did Sofonisba Anguissola paint?

Queen Elisabeth of Valois and Sofonisba became good friends, and when the Queen died nine years later, Sofonisba left the court because she was so sad. She had painted the entire royal family and even the Pope commissioned Anguissola to do a portrait of the Queen.

How old was Sofonisba Anguissola when she died?

90 years (1535–1625)
Sofonisba Anguissola/Age at death

Where does Sofonisba Anguissola name come from?

The family lived near the site of a famous 2nd century B.C. battle, the battle of the Trebbia, between Romans and Carthaginians, and several members of the Anguissola family were named after ancient Carthaginian historical characters: Amilcare named his first daughter after the tragic Carthaginian figure Sophonisba.

Who was Sofonisba Anguissola and what did she do?

[1] Sofonisba Anguissola was an artist who came from a noble family in Cremona (northern Italy). She is well known for the paintings she made of herself and her family (she was the oldest of seven children).

When did Bernardino Campi paint Sofonisba Anguissola?

Dates are uncertain, but Anguissola probably continued her studies under Gatti for about three years (1551–1553). One of Anguissola’s most important early works was Bernardino Campi Painting Sofonisba Anguissola (c. 1550). The unusual double portrait depicts Anguissola’s art teacher in the act of painting a portrait of her.

What did Sofonisba paint in the sixteenth century?

Sofonisba Anguissola, Self-Portrait Painting the Madonna, 1556, 66 x 57 cm, oil on canvas, Lancut Museum, Poland. Photograph: ArtStor digital library. The sixteenth century was a time when artistic education was almost entirely reserved for male artists.

Why was Anguissola important to the Habsburg family?

Philip’s family (the Habsburgs) ruled most of Europe and the New World. Her painting abilities elevated her from being a minor noblewoman to being a member of an intimate circle of the most powerful rulers in Europe.

Why is Sofonisba Anguissola important? Sofonisba Anguissola, (born c. 1532, Cremona [Italy]—died November 1625, Palermo), late Renaissance painter best known for her portraiture. She was one of the first known female artists and one of the first women artists to establish an international reputation. What did Sofonisba Anguissola study? Although there were some female artists,…