“And with, this conclusion I kiss the most holy feet with all reverence and humility.
“From Madrid, on the 16th of Sept. 1561.
To this letter his Holiness returned the following reply, and the portrait appearing to him to he a very beautiful and admirable work, he caused his answer to he accompanied by gifts worthy of the great abilities of Sophonisba.
“Pius Pope IV. — Dilecta in Christo filia.
“We have received the portrait of the most illustrious Queen of Spain, our dearest daughter, which you have sent us, and which has been most acceptable, as well on account of the person represented, whom we love paternally, for her piety and the many pure qualities of her mind, to say nothing of other considerations, as because the work has by your hand been very well and diligently accomplished.
“We thank you for it, assuring you that we shall hold it among our most valued possessions, commending this your skill, which, albeit very wonderful, is nevertheless as we hear, the very smallest among the many gifts with which you are endowed.
“And with this conclusion we send you again our benediction. May our Lord have you in his keeping. Dat. Romae, die 15 Octobris, 1561.”
This testimony suffices to show how great is the ability of Sophonisba; and one of her sisters called Lucia, left a reputation at her death which was scarcely inferior to that of Sophonisba, she also having executed pictures no less beautiful and valued than those painted by her sister. Of this an example may be seen in Cremona, where there is a portrait by her hand of the excellent Physician, Signor Pietro Maria, with one even more remarkable in another portrait, that of the Duke of Sessa namely, which was painted by this well endowed maiden, in a manner so truthful that it seems as though better could not be done, and that no likeness could be made to resemble the original with a more life-like reality.
The third of the sisters Anguisciola, called Europa, is not yet past the age of childhood; to her, who is full of grace and good parts, I have spoken myself this year, and from what we now see of her works and designs, she will be in no wise
