“The Chess Game: A Masterful Display of Strategy and Skill” by Sofonisba Anguissola, 1555, 72.5 x 97 cm, oil on canvas, Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, Italy.

The Chess Game by Sofonisba Anguissola in 1555, shows a group of sisters playing a lively game of chess. This painting differed from other depictions of women from this era since it conveyed women as intelligent beings rather than aesthetic objects.  The wide range of emotions in the image adds to the uniqueness of the piece. The younger sister on her right has her hand raised, conveying she is protesting her older sister’s decision in the game almost as if they are about to argue. The older sister is looking directly at the audience as if we are intruding on their game, her face is taunting us. The youngest sister is smiling, amused by the bickering of her family. The maid on the right appears to have a disgruntled look as if she is annoyed by the chaos.