Sofonisba and Lavinia: two Female Painters and Musicians from the 16th century

Abstract

 Two oil paintings on canvas with the same iconographic title, Self-portrait with a spinet, one by Sofonisba Anguissola (ca. 1535-1625), ca. 1556-57, another by Lavinia Fontana (1552-1614), 1577, from the temporary exhibition A Tale of Two Women Painters: Sofonisba and Lavinia presented in the Prado Museum, between October 2019 and February 2020, serve as the foundation of this investigation note. We noticed, however, that despite the valuable studies and laboratory data given to the print in the homonymous catalog, the absence of any discussion about music. Thus, starting from the two self-portraits in question, we will endeavor to answer the following questions: What relevance does music have for women’s education in the second half of the 16th century, in Italy? What are the shape and function of the spinet? What is the meaning of a self-portrait as a female musician?