Woman Adjusting a Ribbon in Her Hair c. 1768

Editor: Here we have Angelica Kauffmann's "Woman Adjusting a Ribbon in Her Hair," made around 1768. It looks like an etching, so lines define everything. She appears contemplative and somewhat melancholy. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This is fascinating. Note how Kauffmann renders her subject in profile, evoking classical cameos. Consider how this pose became symbolic, particularly in Neoclassical art; the profile became synonymous with virtue and intellect, referencing the idealized forms of ancient Greece and Rome. Why do you think artists looked back to the classical world? Editor: Maybe they were seeking order and reason, ideas from the Enlightenment? Curator: Precisely. The ribbon she adjusts becomes quite significant. Ribbons often symbolized restraint and order. Her careful attention suggests control. Does it remind you of any myths where adornment carries moral weight? Editor: I remember the myth of Pandora, where the opening of a box filled with trinkets unleashed chaos! So is Kauffmann making a statement about the responsibilities of women in society? Curator: Indeed, the image could suggest a commentary on decorum and self-presentation, essential aspects of a woman's role in that era. Editor: That's given me a completely different perspective on what seemed like a simple portrait. Curator: Visual symbols like the profile, hair style, and the action of adjustment carry significant cultural meaning that's easily missed upon a casual first glance. This artwork gives us much to contemplate!