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LIFE AMONG
KINGS AND QUEENS
A 1559 treaty between Spain and France pro- years, Sofonisba gained the trust of the royal family,
foundly changed two women’s lives: Under the especially the king and queen. Sofonisba’s royal
terms of the peace, French princess Elizabeth portraits are more formal than her other works but
(Isabel, in Spain) of Valois was wed to Philip II of still manage to convey warmth. Wearing black pre-
Spain and traveled at age 14 to a new life in Madrid. dominated at the Spanish court, as a show of aus-
Sofonisba (who was 27 years old) was employed terity. After Isabel’s death, Philip took a new wife,
as her companion and royal portraitist. Over 14 Anna of Austria, whom Sofonisba also painted.
