SIRANI, Elisabetta
(b. 1638, Bologna, d. 1665, Bologna)

Self-Portrait

c. 1660
Black and red chalk on laid paper, 231 x 157 mm
Private collection

Of the several hundred sheets attributed to Elisabetta Sirani, a majority are studies for the altarpieces and easel paintings she painted between 1655 and 1665, the year of her premature death. Far rarer are examples of drawn portraits, although she painted about fifteen of them. The present drawing is a self-portrait, the identity of the sitter is confirmed by other drawings and a painting.