Siblings in Art - Anguissola's 'A Game of Chess'

Many of us can think of an instance where a family disagreement has started over a board game. In this week's new release, our young presenter - Heather - presents us with a painting of a game of chess. It was painted in the Renaissance by female artist Sofonisba Anguissola, who has painted her three sisters around a chess board. The sister on the right looks shocked with her mouth slightly ajar as she looks at her sister opposite, who is moving a piece. Has someone just shouted checkmate? Learn more about this work and why Anguissola was considered so radical for her time by clicking the link here. 

Who is Sofonisba Anguissola?

Sofonisba Anguissola was one of the first female painters to become famous internationally. She was even included in Vasari's 'Lives of the Artists', alongside the likes of Michelangelo and Raphael. According to legend, Sofonisba was sent to Rome as a young artist and introduced to Michelangelo, who was impressed by her sketch of a laughing girl. As a challenge, the great master asked Sofonisba to sketch a boy weeping. Rising to the occasion, Sofonisba produced 'Asdrubale Bitten by a Crayfish' (pictured) - the artist's baby brother. Michelangelo was so impressed he agreed to teach her himself!  

Don't Miss...

'Sisters and Brothers: 500 Years of Siblings in Art' looks at artists from the Renaissance to the present-day, who have portrayed siblings. The exhibition space Kunsthalle-Tuebingen seeks to highlight a theme that has been overlooked in the history of art; yet for many of us, siblings have a deep and lasting impact on our lives. The exhibition features over 100 works, including art by Joseph Beuys, Alexej von Jawlensky, and Cindy Sherman (pictured).