We start this series with a bang, looking at the ground-breaking artist Sofonisba Anguissola. Painting her way out of domesticity, her artistic inventiveness and determination paved the way for future female artists. Her success story radiated throughout the courts of Europe. The King of Spain, one of the most culturally sophisticated patrons of the day, was a huge fan and ensured that Sofonisba worked within the Spanish Royal Court for most of her life. As privileges from patrons poured in, Sofonisba’s fame reached unprecedented levels. 

In the 21st century we assume female artists were always undermined during their lifetime. Using Sofonisba as an example, this talk casts a light on how it was often ART HISTORY that eradicates the stories of female success, not their peers during their lifetime.