Woman in Turkish Dress

Angelica Kauffmann, born Maria Anna Angelica Catharina Kauffmann on October 30, 1741, in Chur, Switzerland, emerged as a prominent Swiss-Austrian painter of the sensitive Classicism movement. Her talent was evident early on; by the age of six, she was recognized as a drawing prodigy. Raised in an environment rich in culture and art, thanks to her father, Joseph Johann Kauffmann, a portrait and fresco painter, and her mother, Cleophea Lutz, a midwife, Angelica received an unconventional education for a girl of her time. Her father taught her painting and the basics of literacy, while her mother introduced her to multiple languages, including German, Italian, English, and French. The family's move to Como in 1752 marked the beginning of Angelica's exposure to a broader artistic community, with the Counts of Salis becoming significant patrons. Her early works, including her first self-portrait in 1753, showcased her burgeoning talent. The tragic loss of her mother in 1757 led the family to relocate to Schwarzenberg in the Bregenzerwald, where Angelica continued to develop her artistic skills. Her father's involvement in the reconstruction of the local church after a fire provided her with further opportunities to hone her craft. Angelica Kauffmann's journey from a child prodigy to a celebrated artist reflects her dedication and the unique educational background that shaped her into a figure comparable to today's superstars, as noted by the Gottfried Keller Foundation.