Sofonisba’s pearls swayed with the rhythm of the dance while the movement of her satin dress made little crackling sounds. The guests sat awe-struck in the opulent drawing room of the villa in Cremona, windows wide open offering relief from the heat of the fire. The pairing of Sofonisba the dancer and Maddalena Casulana the lutenist accentuated the sweetness of Deh Fussi La Cui Meco for the audience. At last, the weary performers and grateful guests gathered for aperitivo to end the evening.
An Imaginary Tale
This scenario exists only in my imagination, but judging from the brilliant minds of both women it sets the scene for what might have been. Both were stars among their peers who gained recognition during the Renaissance for their talents in art, music, and keen intellect. Sofonisba had a gift of engaging conversation, and her beauty and charisma dazzled all who knew her.
The City of Luthiers
Sofonisba Anguissola was born in 1535 in Cremona, Italy, the city of luthiers, Antonio Stradivari, Andrea Amati, and many others where violins are still being made today. Because she was born into a noble family, she was one of the lucky ones. Sofonisba was blessed with artistic talent along with beauty, a winning personality, accomplished in music, and an independent strong will to pursue her passions. Those attributes carried her throughout her long illustrious fruitful life.
How to Charm Anyone
Because she was born a noblewoman, her brilliant traits charmed both Italian and Spanish nobility which did not intimidate the societal norms for women of the day. In addition, her noble background prohibited her from accepting payment for her artwork and instead was given valuable gifts by her clients. Usually, positions for artists were limited to sons and daughters of artists. Because Sofonisba was talented beyond the norm she soared above the rest to become a portraitist of great fame during her lifetime.
Pen Pal to Michelangelo
Anguissola was the oldest of seven children, six girls and one boy, in a very wealthy family. Their father, Amilcare Anguissola, sent Sofonisba and her second sibling to board at the home of the prominent painter, Bernardino Campi where they remained for three years. Sofonisba studied under several other teachers. Some sources state that Michelangelo was a tutor and corresponded with her to encourage her to pursue painting. Under Sofonisba’s tutelage her sisters became accomplished painters also. She went on to become one of the most noted portrait painters of her time depicting truthful but sensitive portrayals of notables of the day. Many of her paintings remained unsigned and were later attributed to male artists leaving her legacy blurred.
Lady-in-Waiting
Sofonisba’s later years were as stellar as her earlier life when she was summoned to be a lady-in-waiting and tutor to Elisabeth of Valois, the consort queen of Spain, who was married to Philip ll of Spain. Her connection to the Habsburgs and her artistic skills enabled her procurement into an honorable position among the powerful royals. While in Spain, she was married and widowed, then married a second time. I could find no evidence that she had any children.
Thus far, in this series, Sofonisba Anguissola is perhaps the most interesting on many levels. Due to advancing blindness, she was unable to paint but she encouraged young artists while vigorously patronizing the arts. At age 92, a 24-year-old Anthony van Dyck painted her portrait expressing later that she told colorful life tales with a lively intellect during the sessions. Though she gained tremendous fame during her lifetime, her name faded for centuries until just recently. Sofonisba remains a star in the galaxy of forgotten women artists of the past.
Dancing Backwards in High Heels Part Two, Coming in October, Bronze Coast Gallery
Just Wondering; A Postscript
Sofonisba was born in 1535. Maddalena was born in 1544. They both became well known during their lifetime. Do you wonder if they really did know each other and charmed an audience such as the one I created? I would love to hear your version of an imaginary performance.
Spoiler Alert
Translation of Deh Fussi La Cui Meco Italian to English
Oh, if only I could be with you. Click the link to hear the song from the Renaissance.
Beautiful and enlightening, as always.
Thank you, Charlotte!