Kauffman, Angelica. “Paris and Oenone.”

Angelica Kauffman.  “Paris and Oenone.” 

London(?): 18th century.  Engraved by Francesco Bartolozzi.  8 1/2 x 6.  Stipple engraving.  Original hand color.  Mat burn well outside platemark; else, very good condition. 

Beloved for her elegant treatment of classical subjects, Angelica Kauffman achieved great popularity in her lifetime throughout western Europe.  Born in Switzerland and trained by her mural-painting father, Kauffman resided in Italy for some time before migrating to England in 1766.  In addition to portraits and mythological paintings, Kauffman collaborated with Scottish architect Robert Adam, known in design history for his innovative neoclassical interiors in England’s Georgian country houses.  

As a female artist in an age of great history painters, Kauffman centered her narratives on women of the past: Venus appearing to Aeneas, Cleopatra mourning at Mark Antony's tomb, and Hector taking leave of Andromache.  Here, Oenone revels in the love of Paris, who writes her name on the trees of her woodland home.  Kauffman’s painting was translated to print by Italian engraver Francesco Bartolozzi (1727-1815), who, along with Kauffman, was a founding member of Britain’s Royal Academy.  In this print, the grace of her composition and the delicacy of his line combine for true Neoclassical elegance.

Another print by this artist:

O Venus Regina ...