Have you noticed that the streets of Myville are all named after
famous scientists and artists from the Renaissance? In case these folks
aren't so famous to you, you might want to follow along this series of
articles, and get to know the person on whose street you're living.
This week's article is an artist who was best known for her
work in portraiture.
by Lois Lee
Times Staff
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Towards the end of the Renaissance, Italian noblewoman Sofonisba
Anguissola (1532 - 1625) became the first female artist to reach
international fame. She was so famous, in fact, that most of her
paintings that still exists today are self-portraits: she was such a
celebrity that pictures of her were in great demand! Her innovative
portraits are best noted for their warm colors, crisp details, and the
highly expressive eyes.
Sofonisba's father believed in the Renaissance ideal, that "all
aristocrats, male and female, should be highly trained in the social
arts." In fact, of six daughters and one son, only the son did not become
an artist! All of the sisters accomplished much, but only Sofonisba
enjoyed such success and reknown, even receiving paintings from the
elderly Michaelangelo in respect of her efforts. The fame and reputation
that Sofonisba earned inspired many younger women of the Renaissance to
become professional artists as well.
