Caterina van Hemessen in the Habsburg Court of Mary of Hungary
Jennifer Courts considers the career of Caterina van Hemessen, a portraitist and a member of the court of Mary of Hungary. Her virtues as a painter were praised by contemporaries, and she is recognized by modern scholars for her artistic innovation; yet signed paintings by the artist ceased at approximately the same time she entered courtly service. Rather than viewing painting as the pinnacle of her career, the author argues that Caterina’s artistic output served as a means of social mobility. The author also suggests that van Hemessen’s activities created opportunities for subsequent artists, notably Sofonisba Anguissola, who arrived at the Habsburg court in Spain after shortly after van Hemessen’s departure in 1558.
Keyword(s):
Keyword(s):