The artwork titled “Self-portrait aged 78” was created by Sofonisba Anguissola in 1610 using oil on canvas. The painting belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and is a self-portrait genre. It is currently housed at the Gottfried Keller-Stiftung in Winterthur, Switzerland.
In the artwork, Sofonisba Anguissola depicts herself at the age of seventy-eight, seated in a dignified and contemplative pose. She is adorned in a simple yet elegant dark garment, accentuated by a white ruff collar that highlights her face. Her mature features are meticulously detailed, exuding a sense of wisdom and calm introspection. Anguissola holds a small piece of paper in her right hand, while her left hand rests on a book, suggesting learnedness and contemplation. The background is dark and unadorned, bringing the viewer’s focus entirely on the artist’s poised and solemn visage. The chair she occupies is ornate, with red cushioning and gold embellishments, adding a touch of regality to the composition.