Self-portrait 1554

Sofonisba Anguissola's "Self-portrait" (1554) is a captivating portrait of the artist as a young woman, holding a book with her name inscribed on the cover. The painting, now housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, is considered a groundbreaking example of female self-portraiture in Renaissance Italy. Anguissola's direct gaze and assured pose challenge traditional representations of women in art. Her skilled handling of light and shadow adds depth to the composition, emphasizing the sitter's intelligence and individuality. The inscription on the book further asserts her identity as a learned and accomplished artist.