Self-Portrait
by FRATELLINI, Giovanna, Pastel on paper, 72 x 57 cm
Although she depicted herself working with oil paint, Fratellini was considered the second-greatest pastelist in Florence - after her teacher, Domenico Tempesta. Legend has it that the subject of the miniature was her son Lorenzo, a promising artist who died in 1729. Fratellini’s signature elements were the fluttering ribbons she is jauntily wearing.