Self Portrait

This self-portrait at Newnham College records Kauffmann’s self-presentation as a professional artist, one of numerous self-portraits she created throughout her career. As a woman working in the male-dominated field of history painting, Kauffmann’s self-portraits served both personal and professional purposes, asserting her artistic identity and intellectual credentials. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays graceful, decorative Neoclassicism combining classical subject matter with a lyrical sweetness, soft color, elegant figure types, pendant portraits and mythological scenes.

The self-portrait shows Kauffmann presenting herself with professional confidence and natural elegance. Her characteristic soft handling and luminous coloring are applied to her own features with characteristic grace.