Veronica Fontana Explained

Veronica Fontana (1651–1690) was an Italian engraver.

Fontana was the daughter of the engraver Domenico Maria Fontana,^[1] and was a native of Parma,^[2] although she would be associated with Bologna for much of her career.^[3] She was inspired by the example of the engraver Teresa Maria Coriolano, also of Bologna, and was encouraged in her pursuits by Elisabetta Sirani,^[1] with whom she took lessons; she also studied with her father.^[4] Fontana was proficient in woodcarving, and understood the effects of chiaroscuro, and her work was well-regarded during her lifetime.^[1] During her career she produced portraits^[4] and book illustrations as well as single sheet pieces.^[1]

Notes and References

1. Book: Vera Fortunati Pietrantonio. Lavinia Fontana of Bologna (1552–1614). Catalogo della mostra (Washington, The National museum of women in the arts, 5 febbraio-7 giugno 1998). 1998. Mondadori Electa. 978-88-435-6394-4.
2. Book: Dizionario biografico cronologico diviso per classi degli uomini illustri di tutti i tempi e di tutte le nazioni compilato dal professore Ambrogio Levati: 2. 1822. 82–.
3. Book: Laura Marie (Roberts). Ragg. The Women Artists of Bologna .... 1907. Methuen. 242–.
4. Book: Joseph Strutt. A Biographical Dictionary: Containing an Historical Account of All the Engravers, from the Earliest Period of the Art of Engraving to the Present Time; and a Short List of Their Most Esteemed Works. ... With Several Curious Specimens of the Performances of the Most Ancient Artists. By Joseph Strutt. .... 1785. J. Davis. 302–.