Arcadópolis
Miniature Self-Portrait
Sofonisba Anguissola, c. 1556
What you see
Inside an oval frame with a loop for hanging, Sofonisba appears half-length against a green ground. She faces us with a faint smile. With both hands she holds an enormous medallion in front of her chest, hiding most of her body. Large letters interlace at its center, and a Latin inscription runs around the rim.
The green background, the dark brown dress and the golden tone of the medallion form a warm, restrained palette. Her face is built up with tiny dots and fine strokes. Look for her name, “SOPHONISBA”, written on the rim, and the little sprigs painted between the letters.
About Sofonisba Anguissola
Sofonisba Anguissola was born in Cremona into a noble family whose father wanted all six of his daughters to study art and letters, something very rare at the time. She painted her sisters playing, laughing and posing, and made so many self-portraits that her face was one of the best known of her age. She was painter and lady-in-waiting at the court of Philip II in Madrid and lived past ninety; in her old age the young Anthony van Dyck visited her in Palermo and drew her.
More by Sofonisba Anguissola
The Chess Game
Self-Portrait at the Easel
Self-Portrait with a Book
Portrait of Her Father Amilcare with Minerva and Asdrubale
Boy Bitten by a Crayfish
Portrait of Minerva Anguissola
Portrait of the Marquess Massimiliano Stampa
Elisabeth of Valois Holding a Portrait of Philip II
Philip II
Self-Portrait
Juana of Austria with a Young Girl
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