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Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625) was a female
portrait painter from Cremona. She was the oldest
of seven children, six of whom were daughters. All
of the daughters, but not the son possessed
artistic talent. Along with second oldest sister,
Elena, she formally studied art with Bernardino
Campi, a local painter. Later in life, Elena
became a nun, and two sisters ended their art
careers after marriage, whilst the last sister
passed away at an early age.  She was the painter
of the Spanish King and Queen in Madrid. Sofonisba
also became the first internationally known woman
artist, and was recognized by prominent art
authorities including Michelangelo, who even
critiqued Sofonishba's works, and offered her
advice. She became a wealthy patron of the arts
when she went blind.
In 1624, one year before death, Sofonishba was
visited by Sir Anthony Van Dyck, who took
influences from Sofonishba's art philosophies.
She died in Palermo in 1625.

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