Two pieces that bear a striking similarity though their medium and content vary greatly are Francesca Woodman’s Untitled (Francesca in High School, With Bonnet) and Sofonisba Anguissola’s Self-portrait at the Easel. Anguissola’s oil painting is dated back to 1556 while Woodman’s photograph is dated between 1972 and 1975. While these two pieces are separated by four hundred years, they both hold the power of self-portraits. If an artist never takes the time to depict oneself, how can the history books? Sofonisba Anguissola’s Self-portrait at the Easel depicts herself dressed in all black with a smoky background. Her body is not centered, but the paleness of her skin causes her face to pop out at the viewer. Her grey eyes hold the viewer,
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This draws the eye into a new work of art. The colors on Anguissola’s pallet and in her painting are the brightest colors in Self-portrait at the Easel. This shows Anguissola’s ability to paint other scenarios beautifully instead of her typical depictions of herself and her family. The Madonna resembles Anguissola in the light-neutral skin tone with hints of red around the cheeks and the hair color. Even Madonna’s hairstyle is similar to Anguissola’s with the thin braid wrapping around her head, almost like a halo. The hand of Mary is accented on the canvas, much like Anguissola’s hand is accented. This shows a close connection between the two women. Anguissola recognizes her talent own talent and resonates with the powerful figure Mary provides. Christ, however, seems to be very basic; he is pale and pure, but nothing causes him to attract unreasonable amounts of attention. This could be interpreted to accent Anguissola’s opinion on the importance of women (without Mary, Jesus would not have been, and without Anguissola, this work would not have been). It is also notable to mention that Anguissola faces away from the beauty she has created on the canvas, almost as if she knows what she is capable of, but wants to put her face in the picture for all viewers to …show more content…
Much like Anguissola’s work, Woodman faces away from what is thought of as the beauty of the picture. Woodman’s eyes are even closed to her surroundings, showing she is truly taking in her atmosphere. The background of the photograph slowly fades away behind her. Woodman’s white dress (that appears to be see-through without a slip) and bonnet show a child-like innocence while also showing a more promiscuous side of young women. Her right hand is also accented, much like Anguissola’s. This could share a similar meaning showing the artwork is made by her own
This draws the eye into a new work of art. The colors on Anguissola’s pallet and in her painting are the brightest colors in Self-portrait at the Easel. This shows Anguissola’s ability to paint other scenarios beautifully instead of her typical depictions of herself and her family. The Madonna resembles Anguissola in the light-neutral skin tone with hints of red around the cheeks and the hair color. Even Madonna’s hairstyle is similar to Anguissola’s with the thin braid wrapping around her head, almost like a halo. The hand of Mary is accented on the canvas, much like Anguissola’s hand is accented. This shows a close connection between the two women. Anguissola recognizes her talent own talent and resonates with the powerful figure Mary provides. Christ, however, seems to be very basic; he is pale and pure, but nothing causes him to attract unreasonable amounts of attention. This could be interpreted to accent Anguissola’s opinion on the importance of women (without Mary, Jesus would not have been, and without Anguissola, this work would not have been). It is also notable to mention that Anguissola faces away from the beauty she has created on the canvas, almost as if she knows what she is capable of, but wants to put her face in the picture for all viewers to …show more content…
Much like Anguissola’s work, Woodman faces away from what is thought of as the beauty of the picture. Woodman’s eyes are even closed to her surroundings, showing she is truly taking in her atmosphere. The background of the photograph slowly fades away behind her. Woodman’s white dress (that appears to be see-through without a slip) and bonnet show a child-like innocence while also showing a more promiscuous side of young women. Her right hand is also accented, much like Anguissola’s. This could share a similar meaning showing the artwork is made by her own