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Sofonisba, so that you can protect yourself and your reputation. First, never contradict your betters. Avoid possessing any unflattering information about them unless you can utilize it. And donβt explain yourself to your inferiors. When your image is secure, your freedom will be too.β In addition to the hospitality and the duchessβ advice on court behavior, Sofonisba devoured the courtβs spectacular art collection. With Master Clovio she toured the palace collection, which contained works by the best artists of the era. She stopped in front of a portrait of
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Donna DiGiuseppe (Lady in Ermine β The Story of A Woman Who Painted the Renaissance: A Biographical Novel of Sofonisba Anguissola)