Profile Bust of a Woman

John Christian Rauschner’s 'Profile Bust of a Woman' offers a glimpse into the life of a woman during his time, painted with watercolor on ivory. During the late 18th century, portraiture served as a powerful marker of identity, class, and social standing, and miniaturized portraits allowed for sentimental connections across distance. The woman is depicted in profile. Note how her elaborate coiffure and dress reflect the fashion of the era, and how the details of her dress and hair speak volumes about her status within society. This was a time of revolution and shifting social structures. Although the sitter's name remains unknown, we can imagine the personal and social narratives intertwined with her image. This bust invites us to consider the stories of women whose lives may have been overlooked in historical accounts. How does seeing her rendered in such detail make you feel about the lives of women in the late 1700s?