Sofonisba Angissola

(1532 — 1625)

She is an Italian Renaissance artist. The artist came from a rich family and received a comprehensive, high-quality education, while also studying fine arts. Angissola travels to Rome, where she was introduced to Michelangelo, who immediately recognized her talent. In 1558, she visited Milan and painted a portrait of the Duke of Alba. The duke recommended her to the Spanish court, and the wife of Philip II, Queen Elizabeth of Valois, who was an amateur artist, invited Anguissola to be her teacher and gave her the rank of maid of honor to the Queen of Spain. Thus Angissola became the official court artist of the Spanish king.