The artwork is a self-portrait created by Sofonisba Anguissola in 1554. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is an exemplar of the Mannerism movement within the broader context of the Late Renaissance. The painting belongs to the genre of self-portraiture and is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.
In the artwork, Anguissola presents herself in a modest and thoughtful manner. She gazes directly at the viewer with a composed and serene expression, suggesting a sense of introspection and confidence. Her attire is simple yet elegant, with a dark dress adorned with a delicate white collar, which contrasts against the muted green background. In her hands, she holds a small book, demonstrating her scholarly pursuits and hinting at her intellectual interests. The overall composition is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and the subtle interplay of light and shadow, typical of Mannerist aesthetics. This self-portrait not only showcases Anguissola’s technical skill but also offers a glimpse into her personality and her position as a learned woman in the Renaissance period.