Sofonisba's earliest paintings were self-portraits that testify to her discreta modestia. Sofonisba constructs herself as a woman of virtue. She identifies herself in a number of her paintings as "virgo." Female virtue was founded in chastity. Female virtue was also understood to include obedience, modesty, and silence. Her demeanor and simple dress, usually a near black jacket with a white lace ....Her musical training is attested to by the portrait of her playing the clavichord or virginal.