Maria Anna Angelika Kauffmann (usually known as Angelica Kauffman) was a Swiss artist who lived from 1741 to 1807. She traveled around Europe, especially spending time in Italy and Britain. A groundbreaking Neoclassicist painter, in 1768 she made history as a founding member of the Royal Academy in London (one of only two founding women). She focused on painting historical, Biblical, and mythological subjects, a respected and difficult specialization.
This self-portrait of Angelica Kauffmann was painted in oil by Kauffman from 1770 to 1775. Although known for her legendary and mythological subjects, she took a softer tone when depicting herself, showing a young woman chastely holding her dress with a hand pressed against a paintbrush and sketchpad. Yellows and ivories highlight the painting, giving the painter a light glow.