Self-portrait 1785

Angelica Kauffmann painted this self-portrait, now at the Hermitage Museum, using oil on canvas. Notice how the oval composition frames Kauffmann, drawing our eye to her poised expression. The soft gradations of light and shadow across her face create a sense of depth, while the dark hat contrasts with her fair skin, highlighting her as the focal point. The loose brushstrokes in the background evoke a sense of dynamism, contrasting with the stillness of her gaze. Kauffmann, as a woman artist in the 18th century, navigates notions of identity and representation through self-portraiture. The formal elements of this painting contribute to a reading of female agency and intellectual self-possession. Kauffmann uses the canvas to control her narrative and defy the prevailing patriarchal norms. Consider the intentionality behind every brushstroke. The painting serves as both an aesthetic object and a declaration of artistic independence, prompting us to question how historical context shapes our interpretation of form and representation.