Leonardo, Raphael, and Michelangelo are familiar names that are often closely associated with the concepts of genius and masterpiece. But what about Sofonisba Anguissola, Lavinia Fontana, and Irene di Spilimbergo? Their names are unfamiliar and their works are literally unknown. Why?

Defining the Renaissance Virtuosa considers the language of art in relationship to the issues of gender difference through an examination of art criticism written between 1550 and 1800 on approximately forty women artists who were active in Renaissance Italy. Fredrika Jacobs demonstrates how these theoretical writings defined women artists by linking artistic creation with biological procreation. She also examines the ambiguity of these women as both beautiful objects and creators of beautiful objects.

Jacobs's study shows how deeply the biases of these early critics have affected both subsequent reception of these Renaissance virtuose and modern scholarship.