Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807) was an acclaimed 18th-century Swiss Neoclassical painter and one of the few prominent female artists of her time. She was celebrated for her historical and mythological paintings, portraits, and her association with important intellectual and artistic circles in Europe. Here are some key points about Angelica Kauffmann:1. **Early Life**: Angelica Kauffmann was born on October 30, 1741, in Chur, Switzerland. Her father, Johann Joseph Kauffmann, was a painter, and she showed an early talent for art. Her family moved to Italy when she was a child, where she received artistic training.2. **Education in Rome**: In Rome, Kauffmann studied with various prominent artists, including Anton Raphael Mengs. Her exposure to classical art and the Neoclassical style greatly influenced her work.3. **Career in England**: Kauffmann gained fame in the 1760s and 1770s and became a member of the Royal Academy in London in 1768, making her one of the first female members. She was known for her portraits of British nobility and intellectuals.4. **Neoclassical Style**: Kauffmann's work was characterized by the Neoclassical style, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art. She often painted historical and mythological scenes with an emphasis on classical ideals and harmony.5. **Friendship with Joshua Reynolds and Sir Thomas Lawrence**: She had close relationships with fellow artists Joshua Reynolds and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Reynolds, the first president of the Royal Academy, held Kauffmann in high regard and admired her work.6. **European Success**: Kauffmann enjoyed international success and was in high demand as a portrait painter across Europe. She painted for royal courts in countries such as Austria, Russia, and Italy, and her work was sought after by aristocrats and dignitaries.7. **Marriage and Later Life**: In 1781, Kauffmann married the Venetian painter Antonio Zucchi and moved to Rome. Her career continued to flourish in Italy, and she continued to paint in her distinctive Neoclassical style.8. **Decorative Arts and Design**: In addition to her painting, Kauffmann was involved in decorative arts and design. She contributed designs for furniture, textiles, and interiors.9. **Legacy**: Angelica Kauffmann's legacy includes not only her artwork but also her pioneering role as a successful female artist in a male-dominated field. She was a trailblazer for subsequent generations of women in the arts.10. **Death and Posthumous Recognition**: Angelica Kauffmann passed away on November 5, 1807, in Rome. After her death, her reputation endured, and her work continued to be appreciated. In the 19th and 20th centuries, there was renewed interest in her art, and her contributions to Neoclassical painting were celebrated.Angelica Kauffmann's art exemplified the ideals of the Neoclassical movement and played a significant role in the artistic and cultural landscape of her time. Her success and the respect she earned among her contemporaries helped pave the way for future generations of female artists to pursue careers in the art world.
Measures 18 x 12.5.