Portrait of the Impromptu Virtuoso Teresa Bandettini-Landucci of Lucca 1794

Angelica Kauffmann likely painted this portrait of Teresa Bandettini-Landucci with oil on canvas. The artist would have carefully prepared the canvas, stretching it and applying layers of gesso to create a smooth surface for painting. Kauffmann's technique involved layering thin glazes of paint to achieve subtle gradations of color and luminosity. This was a labor-intensive process, requiring patience and skill, as each layer needed to dry before the next could be applied. The smooth surface of the canvas and the careful blending of colors create a sense of realism and refinement, while the fluid brushstrokes capture the spontaneity of Bandettini-Landucci's performance. The folds of the subject's gown, and the way light catches the fabric, demonstrate Kauffmann's mastery of her materials. Considering the materials, making, and context of production, we can see how Kauffmann elevated portraiture through her painterly skill.