Artwork

Self-Portrait in the Traditional Costume of the Bregenz Forest, Seated at her Easel

Self-Portrait in the Traditional Costume of the Bregenz Forest, Seated at her Easel is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Angelica Kauffmann. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the Uffizi Gallery.

About this work

Overview

Self-Portrait in the Traditional Costume of the Bregenz Forest, Seated at her Easel is an oil painting created by Angelica Kauffmann in 1763, depicting the artist herself in a distinctive regional costume while engaged in her craft.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Angelica Kauffmann, portrayed wearing the traditional attire of the Bregenz Forest, consisting of a dark dress with a red and black embroidered top and white puffy sleeve. Her calm, direct gaze and slight smile convey quiet confidence and creativity as she works at her easel, holding a palette and brush.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work features a dark background with subtle hints of architectural elements, contrasting with the detailed, vibrant depiction of the artist's costume and her at-work posture, highlighting Kauffmann's skill in capturing texture and mood.

History & Provenance

Created in 1763, the painting is part of the collection at the Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy.

Context

This self-portrait reflects Kauffmann's interest in cultural heritage, as evidenced by her choice of traditional Bregenz Forest attire, while also showcasing her profession as a painter, blending personal and professional identity.

Legacy

As one of Kauffmann's self-portraits, it contributes to the broader legacy of female artists representing themselves in their work, offering insight into the life and self-presentation of a prominent 18th-century artist.