Who painted Sofonisba (or Artemisia)?

Sofonisba (or Artemisia) was painted by Francesco Fontebasso in 1744.

Where can I see Sofonisba (or Artemisia)?

Sofonisba (or Artemisia) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Sofonisba (or Artemisia)?

Sofonisba (or Artemisia) is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Sofonisba (or Artemisia)?

Museum-quality prints of Sofonisba (or Artemisia) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sofonisba (or Artemisia)

Francesco Fontebasso , 1744

Sofonisba (or Artemisia) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Francesco Fontebasso. It dates from 1744 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, lower center of plate in brown ink: Sofonisbe che svend il Veleno

About this work

Overview

Sofonisba (or Artemisia) is a 1744 etching on laid paper by Francesco Fontebasso, a Venetian painter active during the late-Baroque to Rococo period.

Subject & Meaning

The etching portrays a female figure, potentially the historical Sofonisba or the mythological Artemisia, within a classical setting replete with symbolic elements, though the specific narrative or allegorical intent remains ambiguous.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style reflective of Fontebasso's training under Sebastiano Ricci and influence by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, the work features fluid lines, expressive detail, and dramatic composition, aligning with the Rococo emphasis on elegance and theatricality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1744, the etching's provenance details are not provided, though its creation context situates it within the decorative and expressive traditions of 18th-century Venetian art.

Context

This work reflects the broader artistic trends of its time, with the Venetian Rococo's characteristic blend of grandeur, drama, and intricate detail. For further insight into this style, exploring the Baroque movement, which preceded and influenced the Rococo, may offer additional context.

Legacy

The lasting impact or specific legacy of Sofonisba (or Artemisia) within Fontebasso's oeuvre or the broader Rococo movement is not detailed in available information.