The Nationalmuseum in Stockholm has recently acquired a significant Renaissance painting by Sofonisba Anguissola (1532-1625), one of the most celebrated female artists of the 16th century. The oil-on-panel portrait, titled "Portrait of a Canon," dates from around 1554-1556 and measures 19 x 15 cm. This acquisition represents a major addition to the museum's collection of early women artists' works.
Museums across the world are particularly enthusiastic when they can enrich their collections with works from the 16th and 17th centuries created by women artists, as these are significantly rarer than those from the 19th century and later periods. Italian female painters are currently experiencing renewed attention and appreciation, with artists like Sofonisba Anguissola, Lavinia Fontana, and Artemisia Gentileschi leading this renaissance of interest.
This new acquisition joins another important work by a female Renaissance artist that the Nationalmuseum acquired in 2020 - a painting by Artemisia Gentileschi. The museum's commitment to collecting works by historical women artists demonstrates a broader institutional effort to present a more complete picture of art history that includes previously underrepresented voices.
Sofonisba Anguissola was a pioneering figure in Renaissance art, breaking barriers as one of the first women to gain international recognition as a professional painter. Born into a noble family in Cremona, Italy, she became court painter to King Philip II of Spain and was highly regarded by her contemporaries, including Michelangelo, who served as her mentor.
The "Portrait of a Canon" showcases Anguissola's remarkable skill in portraiture, a genre in which she excelled throughout her long career. The intimate scale of the work and its precise execution reflect the artist's mastery of oil painting techniques and her ability to capture both the physical likeness and psychological presence of her subjects. This acquisition not only enhances Stockholm's collection but also provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the artistic achievements of one of history's most significant female painters.
