Portrait of Minerva Anguissola [1564]

Portrait of the sister Minerva Anguissola [1564]

Paintress: Sofonisba Anguissola [1532-1625] or Lucia Anguissola

Location: Milano; Museo Poldi Pezzoli

 

The young woman portrayed half-bust in an oval canvas (a shape in vogue at the time, especially in miniature painting) is wearing a black dress brightened by the white of her shirt. Only the collar of this can be seen and the ribbon falling onto her chest. A plait circles her head and her face is slightly turned to the right, although she is looking directly at the spectator. At first glance the painting seems very simple, but on closer examination it is clear how much care has been taken. This is revealed in the accurate details, with effects recalling Flemish art: for example, the eyes, the hair, the lace on the collar, and devices like the light background, which highlights the figure and hints at the surrounding space.

M.S.

 

References:

Mauro Natale, Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Dipinti, Milano 1982, cat. 59, pp. 98-99.

Sofonisba Anguissola e le sue sorelle, a cura di F. Caroli, Milano 1987, cat. 37, pp. 158-159.

Sofonisba Anguissola e le sue sorelle, a cura di M: Gregori, catalogo della mostra tenutasi a Cremona nel 1994, Roma 1994, pp. 290-291.

Angela Ghirardi, Una ricerca iconografica nel cenacolo delle Anguissola: i ritratti di Minerva, in “Paragone”, 1992, 509-511pp. 35-43; p. 38.

La prima donna pittrice Sofonisba Anguissola. Die Malerin der Renaissance (um 1535-1625), a cura di S. Ferino-Padgen, catalogo della mostra tenutasi a Cremona, Vienna, Washington nel 1994-1995, Wien 1995, cat. 27, pp. 98-99.

Done