Sofonisba Anguissola - Buy or sell works
c. 1530/40, Cremona (Italy) - 16 November 1625, Palermo (Italy)
Sofonisba Anguissola was an outstanding Italian Renaissance painter best known for her portraits.
Born in Cremona to a wealthy family, Anguissola had the unusual advantage of an extensive education, including art. She studied under Bernardino Campi and Bernardino Gatti, two respected painters of her time. Anguissola was a pioneer among female artists and broke with the traditional expectations of contemporary women.
In 1559, she was summoned to the Spanish court of King Philip II, where she served as lady-in-waiting and painter. Her position allowed her to paint portraits of court society and she received recognition and encouragement from Philip II himself. This period marked the apex of her career. After her time at the Spanish court, Anguissola returned to Italy later in life, where she continued to paint and teach young artists well into old age.
Sofonisba Anguissola was praised by the great chronicler Vasari and by Michelangelo. She was held in high regard in Italy and abroad and was in contact with rulers, aristocrats, writers, and artists of her time. Anthony van Dyck visited the elderly artist as late as 1624.