Sofonisba Anguissola: Glorious Renaissance Portrait Painter with Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik

Sofonisba Anguissola is one of the most revered portrait artists of the Italian Renaissance. Throughout her career, she allowed nobility to immortalize themselves through paint, and by the end of the Sixteenth Century, her talents made their way into the innermost circles of Spanish royalty, becoming an official court painter to King Philip II. Anguissola was praised by her contemporaries for her talent and originality. The famed Italian artist historian Giorgio Vasari claimed that the figures in her pictures were lifelike to the point that they appeared to be breathing, and even Michelangelo praised her ability to convey human sadness in her works, more difficult than any other human emotion. 

Through a comprehensive but accessible introduction to her oeuvre, we will explore Anguissola’s role and contribution to Western art history and how her legacy still remains strong today, especially her enormous success at inspiring women throughout history to pursue careers in the arts. While analyzing autobiographical information to better grasp the inspiration sources of this complex artist, we will proceed to an in-depth analysis of her most important works such as the portraits of her family, herself, and the Spanish royal family.

Led by an expert on Western art history and published author, Dr. Timea Andrea Lelik, this interactive seminar will explore the contribution of this great artist to Renaissance art history. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased appreciation and understanding of the works of Sofonisba Anguissola and their importance in Western art history.