Portraits by Sofonisba Anguissola and Mary Beale

UK Friends have been offered an extraordinary chance to view two rarely publicly-seen portraits, one by a Renaissance artist and one by a Baroque artist. Weiss Gallery Director, Florence Evans, will illuminate these works.
Sofonisba Anguissola (1532 – 1625) was born in Cremona, Lombardy. Her apprenticeship with local painters set a precedent for women at the time to be accepted as students of art.  Anguissola spent much of her career painting in the Spanish court and the portrait we will see was part of the extraordinary collection of Cardinal Joseph Fesch.
Mary Beale (1632 – 1699) was the first native born professional female painter working in England and is known for her refined and spirited portraits. A friend of Sir Peter Lely, court painter to Charles II, she became one of his most sought after copyists.
Both paintings will be leaving the public sphere shortly so do not miss this once in a life-time opportunity! Our numbers are limited, so book early!
Cost: Free to Patrons and Friends, £10 for Guests. RSVP to rsvp@UKFriendsofNMWA.org and post cheque to Box 539, 28 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3SS.