Who painted Bacchante?

Bacchante was painted by Angelica Kauffmann in 1772.

Where can I see Bacchante?

Bacchante is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Bacchante?

Bacchante is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Bacchante

Angelica Kauffmann , 1772

Bacchante is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Angelica Kauffmann. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1772, the oil painting titled *Bacchante* is attributed to Angelica Kauffmann. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin and presents a single figure rendered against a dark, oval-shaped backdrop that isolates the sitter’s face and upper torso.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows a woman with loosely coiled hair crowned by a wreath of fresh green leaves and small berries, suggesting a connection to the classical figure of a Bacchante. The relaxed pose, with one arm resting on the chest and the other gently bent, conveys a calm, contemplative presence rather than overt drama.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs a restrained chiaroscuro, allowing the light to fall on the sitter’s features while the surrounding darkness recedes. The drapery of the light, flowing dress is rendered with soft brushwork that emphasizes the texture of the fabric without distracting from the central figure.

History & Provenance

Since its completion in the late eighteenth century, *Bacchante* has remained in public ownership, eventually entering the Gemäldegalerie Berlin’s holdings. The work is documented as a self‑portrait by Kauffmann, reflecting her practice of portraying herself in allegorical guises during her mature period.