Portrait of Massimiliano Stampa 1557

Sofonisba Anguissola was one of the most prominent female artists of the 16th century. This portrait, completed in 1557, shows Massimiliano Stampa, a young nobleman. Anguissola, known for her realistic portrayals, captures the boy's youthful innocence in his relaxed pose and gentle gaze. The inclusion of the dog at his feet adds a sense of intimacy and charm, typical of the Renaissance style of portraiture. The painting is housed in the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.