The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola: The most famous woman you've never heard of

Set in the sixteenth-century The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola tells the story of a womans passion for painting and adventure. In a world where women painters had little to no acknowledgment she was singled out by Michelangelo and Vasari who recognized and praised her talent. Gaining the Milanese elites acclaim she went on to become court painter to Spanish King Philip II and taught his queen to paint. One cant live such an extraordinary life without having stories to tell and tell them Sofonisba does to Sir Anthony Van Dyke who comes to visit her toward the end of her life. During their meeting she agrees to reveal her secrets but first challenges the younger painter to find the one lie hidden in her tale. In a saga filled with intrigue jealousy buried treasure unrequited love espionage and murder Sofonisbas story is played out against the backdrop of Italy Spain and Sicily. Throughout her life she encounters talented artists authoritative dukes mad princes religious kings spying queens vivacious viscounts and dashing sea captains-even a Barbary pirate. But of all the people who fell in love with Sofonisba only one captured her heart. The painter may have many secrets but the truth of her life is crystal clear from the beginning. Always a strong passionate woman with a dream she was an intelligent artist who knew her self-worth and in the end as Michelangelo had done for her Sofonisba passed her brush to a new generation.