Portrait of the Artist Sofonisba Anguissola

Thomas Worlidge , British, 1700-1766

Title

Datec.1740-1760

MediumEtching and drypoint on paper

Dimensions

21.6 x 16 cm

Credit LinePurchased, 2020

Object numberNGI.2020.54

DescriptionAn early trial proof etching with drypoint, after Sofonisba Anguissola's 1556 famous self-portrait now in the Lancut Palace collection, Poland. It shows the artist turned towards the viewer from a painting of the Madonna and Child on an easel. The print is etched in Worlidge’s distinctive manner. Certain areas of the composition are highly worked with hatching to create deep shadows, while other areas are left with just a few drypoint lines. This encourages the viewer to focus on the head of the sitter and particularly on her direct gaze.
ProvenancePurchased, 2020