Levinia Fontana

 

Levinia Fontana


Born August 24 1552 in Bologna was the daughter of painter Prospero Fontana.

Trained by her father, she became a popular portraits in Bologna and and Rome. Her sensitivity to color characterized her artistic style.

In 1577 She married Gian Paolo Zappi, a student of her father. He left his artistic career to help run his wife's studio and raise their children.

In 1603 she accepted Pope Clement VIII invitation to become official painter of the Pontificate of Rome.


Much of her work has been lost, whereabouts unknown or in private collections.

Source:

"Great Women Masters of Art" by Jordi Vigue


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