Lavinia Fontana

Lavinia Fontana (1552–1614) was an Italian painter of the late Renaissance period, known for her significant contributions to the Mannerist movement. Born in Bologna, she was one of the first professional female artists in Western Europe, gaining recognition for her portraits and religious compositions. Fontana was trained by her father, Prospero Fontana, a prominent painter of the Bologna School, which greatly influenced her artistic development. Her marriage to fellow artist Gian Paolo Zappi was notable for its progressive nature, as he supported her career by managing their household and assisting in her studio. Fontana's work was highly sought after by the Bolognese nobility and the papal court in Rome, where she eventually moved and continued to produce acclaimed works. Her legacy is marked by her role in paving the way for future generations of women artists in a predominantly male-dominated field.