Sofonisba Anguissola: Renaissance Portrait Pioneer Born 1532

Sofonisba Anguissola, born February 2, 1532 in Cremona, was the first Italian woman painter to achieve international fame. Daughter of Amilcare Anguissola and Bianca Ponzoni, she trained under Bernardino Campi and Bernardino Gatti. Denied study of mathematics, perspective, and fresco technique, she nevertheless revolutionized portraiture by incorporating narrative elements and Leonardesque expressions of emotion. In 1559 she entered the court of Philip II of Spain as portraitist to the royal family, remaining until 1568 after the death of Queen Elisabeth. Her works like 'The Chess Game' and 'Boy Bitten by a Crayfish' influenced Caravaggio. Vasari praised her lifelike portraits. She died November 16, 1625 in Palermo, nearly blind, visited by Anton Van Dyck who sketched her and credited her with teaching him more than any master. Never paid in money, she received goods and annuities. She inspired later feminist movements.