laboured in these our arts; for not only does she design, paint from the life, and copy the works of others with the most consummate skill and the most perfect success, but has of herself composed and executed most admirable works of her own invention in painting. It has thus happened that Philip, king of Spain, having heard of the extraordinary merits and endowments of Sophonisba, from the Signor Duke of Alba, has sent for her and caused her to be conducted in the most honourable manner into that country, where he retains her near the person of the queen, with a very large stipend; she is there regarded with admiration by the whole court, every one considering the excellence and distinction of Sophonisba as something wonderful.
No long time has indeed elapsed since Messer Tommaso Cavalieri, a Roman gentleman, sent to the Signor Duke Cosimo, besides a drawing of Cleopatra from the hand of the divine Michelagnolo, another drawing executed by Sophonisba; the work represents a little Girl, who is laughing at a boy, because the latter, having plunged his hand into a basket of crabs, which she has held out to him, is caught by one of them, which is pinching his finger, and the boy is weeping and bemoaning his pain. Wherefore, as a memorial of Sophonisba, of whose works, since she is dwelling in Spain, Italy possesses no copy, I have placed this drawing in my book of designs.
Truly may we affirm, then, with the divine Ariosto,[1] that,
“Women have risen to high excellence
In every art whereto they give their care.”
And this shall be the end of the life of Properzia, the sculptress of Bologna.
- ↑ Orlando Furioso, cant. xx., st. 2.
