What did it mean to the famous women in our history? Where did they gain their inspiration for being ahead of their time and just being different?
Think of Hypatia of Alexandria (379-415) who was a mathematician and astronomer. Think of the famous women artists of Renaissance, the period when women were generally considered not suitable for working in fine arts.
The story of Sofonisba Anguissola (1535-1625), Italian artist, is one of the most romantic biographies of famous women artists. She had received the best possible education in fine arts her father could assure. Yet, she had never had a chance to study anatomy and draw nude models, which was considered then unacceptable for a female. Instead, she searched for possibilities of a new style in portraiture with subjects set in an informal way.
Sofonisba was trained by Michelangelo, who thought very highly of her. She joined the Spanish Court of the King Philip II in 1558, which became an important turn in her career. Getting married at the age of thirty-nine was another event unusual for a woman of her time. Unfortunately for Sofonisba, her husband died 8 years later. At the age of forty-seven, Sofonisba met a much younger captain of the ship, Orazio Lomellino. Beloved and supported by her husband in her artwork, the great woman lived happily until her death at the age of 93. The inscription on her tomb reads, in part:
"To Sofonisba, my wife who is recorded among the illustrious women of the world, outstanding in portraying the images of men..."
The career of Sofonisba Anguissola, who had achieved international recognition, opened the way for other talented female artists...
