A 1554 self-portrait by Italian Renaissance artist Sofonisba Anguissola, depicting herself holding a small inscribed book against a green background.

Sofonisba Anguissola painted this small self-portrait in 1554. She was one of the first female artists to achieve international recognition during the Renaissance. The work shows the artist at approximately twenty-two years of age. She wears a modest black dress with a high white collar. This attire reflects her status as a noblewoman from Cremona. Anguissola holds a small open book. The text inside identifies her and confirms the date of the painting. It reads: Sophonisba Anguissola Virgo Seipsam Fecit 1554. This inscription translates to: The maiden Sofonisba Anguissola created this herself in 1554. By including this text, she asserts her authorship and her identity as a learned woman. The composition uses a plain green background. This choice focuses attention on the face and hands. Her expression is calm and direct. The lighting is soft, creating gentle transitions across her features. Her hair is pulled back neatly, adhering to the social expectations of the period. This painting is part of a series of self-portraits Anguissola produced early in her career. These works functioned as advertisements for her skill. They helped her secure a position at the Spanish court of Philip II. Her success opened paths for other women to pursue professional careers in the arts.