Who painted Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait was painted by Angelica Kauffmann in 1790.

Where can I see Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Self-Portrait?

Self-Portrait is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Self-Portrait

Angelica Kauffmann , 1790

Self-Portrait is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Angelica Kauffmann. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Angelica Kauffmann’s self‑portrait, executed in oil in 1790, presents the artist seated beneath a wide‑brimmed hat. She is dressed in a pale, ruffled gown with a low neckline, complemented by a dark shawl that falls across her shoulders. The composition captures her face turned slightly toward the viewer, her expression calm and her lips gently tinted pink.

Subject & Meaning

The work serves as a personal statement, allowing Kauffmann to control her own visual identity at a time when female artists were rarely afforded such agency. By portraying herself in elegant attire and a composed pose, she aligns with the cultured portrait conventions of the late eighteenth century while subtly emphasizing her professional stature.

Technique & Style

Kauffmann employs a refined chiaroscuro, allowing light to illuminate the facial features and the folds of the dress, while the hat and shawl remain in deeper shadow. The brushwork is smooth and meticulous, creating a lifelike surface that emphasizes the translucency of skin and the texture of fabric without overt painterly gestures.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s 19th‑century interest in European portraiture and the growing recognition of Kauffmann’s contribution to the neoclassical movement.

Context

Created near the end of Kauffmann’s career, the painting coincides with her relocation to London and her involvement with the Royal Academy. The work mirrors contemporary trends in self‑representation among artists, echoing the broader Enlightenment emphasis on individual identity and intellectual presence.