Bernardino Campi Painting Sofonisba Anguissola

Oil on Canvas

c. 1558-59

Pinacoteca Nazionale, Siena

Italian Women Artists from Renaissance to Baroque

 

This picture is, in my mind, by far the most meaningful work the artist ever produced. It makes so many statements about how the artist sees herself and how she fits into the context of her peers and her society that there can be no doubt of it's status as her masterpiece. This work was probably done before Sofonisba was at Phillip II's court in Milan so it was still produced during her educational stage and was probably not commisioned by anyone.

The image is of Sofonisba's first teacher, Bernardo Campi, painting a large portrait of the artist. The artist paints herself within the painting as a noble lady dressed in fine clothing and with a lofty posture like a aristocrat. Campi is shown looking a bit outside the frame of the picture while Sofonisba gazes out at the viewer, the true center of attention. This is out of line with the tilt of the canvas so evidently she does not portray herself looking at Campi, but rather at us the viewer. Even though the work depicts Campi as he paints, the coloring is such that the image of the artist shines out as the central point the eye is drawn to. However, she still communicates in a kind of metaphor that she is the product of her teacher, and yet the fact that she produces this work implies that she has discovered her own identity as an artist and risen to the level of her instructor. She draws herself in a fashion that is inconsistent with her other portrayals. She appears quaint and almost perky, as if to be 'as pretty as a picture'. This may signal the way she feels she must appear to those around her, since she protrays both the way that Campi sees her and the way she sees her self to a certain extent. It is a balanced view of introspection and a true achievement.

This work demonstrates the turning point in the artist's career. She has nearly completed her education and she will soon be invited to Phillip II's court as an artist and art teacher. Sofonisba evidently feels pride in her own accomplishments, but also has the humility to tip her hat to her teacher. This work signals a realization of her own identity. She is ready to take on the world as an artist.