Self-portrait 1781

Angelica Kauffmann painted this self-portrait, which now resides in the Hermitage Museum, during a time when women artists navigated a complex social landscape. Kauffmann, one of the few women to achieve recognition in the male-dominated art world, offers a glimpse into her identity as both a professional and a woman. The painting demonstrates her skill and subtly asserts her presence in a field that often marginalized women. Dressed in attire that blends elements of her Swiss heritage with contemporary fashion, she presents a composed and thoughtful figure. The painting invites us to consider the ways in which women artists like Kauffmann negotiated their identities and challenged the prevailing norms of their time. The self-portrait is both a personal statement and a reflection of broader societal shifts regarding gender and artistic expression.