Young Woman in Contemplation c. 1770

Angelica Kauffmann made this print titled, Young Woman in Contemplation, in London, 1770. The image speaks to the evolving roles of women within the arts during the late 18th century. Kauffmann, who was one of only two women to co-found the Royal Academy, presents us with a woman leaning on what looks like a drawing board. Her state of contemplation raises questions about the intellectual and creative life of women in a society that often restricted their ambitions. Is she a muse, or an artist in her own right? Studying Kauffmann’s prints and paintings, as well as archival materials from institutions like the Royal Academy, can help us to understand her position as one of the few women who gained success in the arts. The image offers a glimpse into the changing social landscape of art production and consumption at that time.