Bust of a Woman 

Angelica Kauffmann created this etching titled 'Bust of a Woman' during the late 18th century, a time when women artists had to navigate significant social and institutional barriers. As a successful female artist, Kauffmann often challenged traditional representations of women. Here, the woman is depicted in profile, her gaze directed inward, conveying a sense of introspection and thoughtfulness, a departure from the passive and decorative roles women were often assigned in art. The delicate lines of the etching emphasize her refined features and elegant hairstyle, in the Neoclassical style. Kauffmann's own experiences as a woman in a male-dominated art world likely influenced her desire to create more nuanced and complex portrayals of women. “I wish to be known as a painter, not merely as a woman who paints," she once stated, underscoring her ambition to be recognized for her artistic talent rather than her gender. This etching reflects both the societal constraints and the personal aspirations that shaped Kauffmann's life and work.