Figure 1.--Fontana painted this portrait of a boy studying with his father about 1580. Younger boys might be depicted playing with pets or other frivolus activities, but by this age more serious pursuits were expected. We do not know who the father and son here are.

Lavinia Fontana is the most noted and prolific woman artist of the Renaissance. Lavinia was born in Bologna, a city that was noted for encouraging the academic and artistic abilities of women--unusual at the time. Women were educated at the University of Bologna when they were not allowed at other European universities. Bolognese painters chose Caterina dei Vigri (Saint Catherine of Bologna). Fontana is not only the most important woman artist of the Renaissance. She is believed to be the first woman painter known to history to have had a successful career. As so often is the case in such instances, her father was a paiter. When he died. Fontana supported the family with her poainting. She painted in many genre, but among her religious and secular works showing the clothes worn by the children of Bologna. Many but not all are portraits of the children of wealthy families.

Parents

As so often is the case in such instances, her father was a paiter. Prospero Fontana was a well-respected artist and teacher in Bologna. Lavinia was his only surviving child. When he died. Fontana supported the family with her painting.

Childhood

Lavinia was born in Bologna, a city that was noted for encouraging the academic and artistic abilities of women--unusual at the time.

Bologna

Women were educated at the University of Bologna when they were not allowed at other European universities. Bolognese painters chose Caterina dei Vigri (Saint Catherine of Bologna).

Education

Lavinia's father Prospero encourasged his talented daughter to develop her artistic abilities. There were many obstacles to women persuing an artistic or any other career in 16th century Europe. Many women even at a lter time only managed to have careers as part of their father's or husband's career. In Fontana's case, Bologna was more open to women persuing artistic talents than the rest of Europe.

Career

Lavinia Fontana is the most noted and prolific woman artist of the Renaissance. Fontana is not only the most important woman artist of the Renaissance. Outside of royalty, she was the best known European woman in the 16th century. She is believed to be the first woman painter known to history to have had a successful career. She obtained important commissions from public as well as private patrons. Although there were huge obstacles for women in the 16th century, Fontana was perhaps the first woman artist to benefit from their ability to develop friendships with the wealthy women who became her clients. She moved to Rome and painted there for many years.

Body of Work

Fortana painted in many genre. Her religious works include many important altar pieces. She also did several historical works. She was, however, especially known for her portraits, although at the time it was the altar pieces that were the most prestigious commissions. Among her religious and secular works showing the clothes worn by the children of Bologna. Many but not all are her portraits are the children of wealthy families. A fine example is the'Portrait of Bianca degli Utili Maselli with Her Six Children'. It is an intimate poratit for its intimate depiction. It was painted during her Ron=man oeriod (early-17th century). It is comsidered one of one of her finest portraits, The mother is Bianca degli Utili, wife of the nobleman Pierino Maselli. The portait of Bianaca with here six children, provides a wonerful depiction of the sashion of the era, an Itkalian fashions were very influential. The Self-Portrait at the Clavichord with a Servant is considered to be her masterwork. It was painted as a betrothal gift to the Zappi family. Fontana for the portarit began describing herself as a virgin in the signature. She claimed that she painted while looking at herself in a mirror as a testament to the accuracy of the depiction. There exist more than 100 documented works, but there are only 32 signed and dated works known. There are an additional 25 works that art historians attribute to her. This makes the largest body of work for any female artist prior into=il the 18th century. this makes her the world's first imprtant female artist. She was recognized at the time and receibed large commisions fir her woek. Art historians report that some of her world were incorrectly attributed to a contemporary --Guido Reni. Some of these are: 'Venus', 'The Virgin lifting a veil from th sleeping infant Christ'; and 'the Queen of Sheba visiting Solomon'.

Family

Fontanba met Giano Paolo Zappi in her husband's studio. They married in 1577. Perhaps because of Fontana's phenomenl talent, Zappi gave up his own artistic career to assist and began assisting his wife in her studio. He managed thge family business such as handling the books. Interestingly he even began takibg care of the children--a reversal in roles that was viurtually unknown in the 16th cenbtury.

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Created: Ovctober 24, 2003
Last updated: 4:14 AM 8/13/2020