My first introduction to Lavinia Fontana was at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. I was there with my mother and a friend of hers who worked there, and we saw stood in front of a painting by her. Portrait of a Noblewoman (pictured above) is one of two paintings NMWA has that represent Fontana's obvious talent.
Fontana grew up in an acknowledged artistic hotbed, Bologna, and was the daughter of Propsero Fontana, an established artist. Prospero noted her artistic abilities and became her teacher, so that she could carry on the family business. Fontana excelled in all areas, and became famous in Bologna for painting members of aristocratic households, large scale religious fresco's, and even a nude or two.
When she was 25, she married and went on to have 11 children. However, this is not where the story ends. Her husband, Paolo Zappi, allowed her to continue her professional career and was one of the first stay-at-home dads, supporting the household and acting as her assistant in the studio. By 1603, word of her talent had spread to Rome and she was invited to become a court painter to Pope Paul V. By the end of her life, Fontana had received numerous awards and honors. She is credited by modern historians as the first known woman to make a true career for herself as an artist.
Bravo!
No comments:
Post a Comment