Sofonisba Anguissola: ATalent That Tells The Truth

Abstract

Due to scientific theories about reproduction, women during the sixteenth century were thought of as inferior to men, unable to create, and unequipped to create new and unique artwork (Jacobs, 1999). During the sixteenth century, Sofonisba Anguissola was one of the first women to raise awareness about the falsity of these ideas. Her artistic talents impress male artists such as Giorgio Vasari and Michelangelo (Jacobs, 1999). Even more significantly, she is credited by Vasari for creating work that is “truly lifelike” (Jacobs, 1999). Sofonisba’s talent gives her status among other male artists and gives the women around her hope for gaining an equal status among men