Before She Made History, She Had to Choose: Art or Music #history #art #painting

"Self-portrait of the Artist hesitating between the Arts of Music and Painting," painted in 1794, by Angelica Kauffmann

Small background for one of histories most influential women! ????

Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807) was a Swiss-born artist who displayed exceptional talent from a young age. Her father, Johann Joseph Kauffman, a painter himself, recognized her abilities early on and nurtured her artistic education as they traveled through Europe for his work. Gifted in both music and painting, Angelica found herself torn between the two paths. Seeking guidance, she consulted a priest who warned that the life of a musician was filled with temptation and "seedy people." This conversation, combined with her father's encouragement, led her to choose painting—a decision that would shape art history. Kauffman became one of the most celebrated Neoclassical artists of her time and was one of only two female founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, 1768. Her influence was so great that the sculptor Antonio Canova directed her funeral, modeling it after that of the Renaissance master Raphael. A bust of Kauffman was even placed beside Raphael's in the Pantheon in the heart of Rome. Despite her prominence, she was largely forgotten over time, as the contributions of women artists continued to be suppressed throughout history. An obvious example of this being that there was not another female academician in the Royal Academy of Arts in London until 1922, 154 years later.

Thanks for enjoying and learning about this beautiful art piece with me! ❤️