Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 1775

This portrait of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was painted by Angelica Kauffmann, a Swiss Neoclassical painter. Kauffmann's identity as a woman artist in the 18th century informs this portrayal. She navigated a male-dominated art world, achieving success, and her portraits often highlighted the intellectualism and sensitivity of her subjects. Goethe, a towering figure of German literature, is presented with a gentle gaze and refined features, moving away from traditional, more masculine depictions of male authority. It's interesting to consider how Kauffmann, as a woman, might have perceived and chosen to represent Goethe, and how the male gaze differs from that of a female artist. The portrait challenges conventional gender roles within the artistic and intellectual spheres of the time. By portraying Goethe with such nuance, Kauffmann subtly navigates the politics of gender and representation. The work invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity and representation.