Plautilla Nelli Painter and businesswoman, her work was "admired by the artists"

Born Polissena Margherita Nelli in 1523, she entered the Santa Caterina convent at 14, becoming a self-taught painter. Hailed by Giorgio Vasari as the "first Florentine female painter," she interpreted Savonarola's artistic principles and embraced the new model of female sanctity from the Council of Trent.

Plautilla transformed her convent into a thriving artistic workshop, creating a unique space for female artists. Despite limited studies, she excelled in portraying the human form through the study of Fra Bartolomeo's drawings. Plautilla's art, grounded in spirituality and empathy, challenged societal norms, showcasing women in prominent roles. She left a maternal signature on her works, emphasizing her commitment to artistic motherhood, and her iconic expression "Orate pro Pictora" (Pray for the Painter) reflected her dedication to being remembered.

Her painting "Last Supper", nearly 7 meters long, underwent restoration through the "TheFirstLast" campaign, supported by donations from 19 countries. Conducted by an all-female team and promoted by AWA (Advancing Women Artists), the restoration aimed to research, restore, and exhibit works by overlooked female artists in Tuscan museums and churches.

Plautilla's death in 1588 marked the end of an era. Despite her significant success during her lifetime, she fell into relative obscurity after her death