AUSTIN, Texas - s4story -- Sofonisba Anguissola, moved in circles unusual for women in the 16^th century, receiving a classical education and apprenticeships with local painting masters. Her early training set the course of her extraordinary career as Michelangelo took her under his wing. Giorgio Vasari, Italian painter and historian, was so impressed with Sofonisba's works he included her in his famous book highlighting the most influential artists of the 16th-century. She may have had prominent friends, but Sofonisba secured her own spot in history through her talent, confidence, and determination, paving the way for female artists for generations. Award-winning author Melissa Muldoon paints the colorful life of "the most famous woman you've never heard of," in her latest book, The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola.

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Sofonisba fueled Muldoon's goals of bringing art and Italian personalities to life. "As a student and art historian, I have always been aware of Sofonisba. As my research progressed and I registered all the places Sofonisba had traveled and the people she had met—dukes, duchesses, kings, queens, Michelangelo, Vasari, even a dashing sea captain—my creative juices started flowing. Soon I was weaving together an imaginative story of how Sofonisba had come to know all these fascinating individuals and demonstrate how she rose to fame and left her mark on the world."

Early reviews tout The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola as Muldoon's finest work. Reader Views says, "Muldoon continues to inspire women through her stories. This is her best work yet." Dianne Hales, author of La Bella Lingua notes, "Through meticulous research, Melissa Muldoon spins a captivating tale of a Renaissance woman. Sofonisba defied the conventions of her time to follow her heart and make her living by her brush." Kate Braithwaite, author of Charlatan, The Road to Newgate adds, "This is a novel rich in description, romance, and adventure that combines detailed research with excellent characterization."

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About the Author

Melissa Muldoon is the author of four novels set in Italy: Dreaming Sophia, Waking Isabella, Eternally Artemisia and The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola. Each book tells the stories of women and their journeys of self-discovery to find love, uncover hidden truths, and follow their destinies to shape a better future. Melissa Muldoon has a B.A. in fine arts, art history, and European history and a Master's in art history. She studied painting, language, and art history in Florence.

The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola: The Most Famous Woman You've Never Heard Of, by Melissa Muldoon (ISBN 9781735176413, MATTA PRESS 2020), can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information visit http://www.melissamuldoon.com. Publicity contact: admin@readerviews.com. Review copies available upon request.