18th-century Archives

Landscape (probably c. 1780)

Louis Gabriel Moreau (French, 1740–1806)

A delicate Rococo landscape unfolds—soft light filters through feathery trees, brushing gentle curves into the countryside. The scene hums with quiet elegance, every detail poised between refinement and nature’s ease. It’s a world where even the air seems to shimmer with restrained grace.
Elizabeth Gunning, Duchess of Hamilton and Argyll (ca. 1760)

Sir Joshua Reynolds (English, 1723–1792)

The Duchess’s powdered hair frames her face like a cloud, her silk gown shimmering against the dark background. A slight smile plays at her lips—not quite coy, not quite warm—as if she’s decided the viewer may glimpse, but never truly know, the woman beneath the aristocratic trappings.
Woman in Turkish Dress (1767)

Angelica Kauffmann (Swiss, 1741–1807)

A woman gazes softly to the side, draped in an ornate Turkish robe. Gold embroidery catches the light against rich fabrics, her delicate fingers resting lightly on the folds. The exotic attire contrasts with her European features, hinting at distant lands and untold stories behind her quiet expression.
Elizabeth,Countess of Effingham (c. 1797)

Benjamin West (American, unknown)

Elizabeth, Countess of Effingham gazes past the viewer, her ermine-trimmed robe cascading in rich folds. The pale glow of pearls at her throat contrasts with the dark, severe elegance of her attire—a noblewoman caught between regal poise and private contemplation.
Self Portrait In A Straw Hat (After 1782)

Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (French, 1755–1842)

A luminous self-portrait where light dances on a straw hat, revealing both elegance and quiet rebellion.
Mrs. Horton, Later Viscountess Maynard

Sir Joshua Reynolds (English, 1723–1792)

A luminous portrait blending elegance with intimacy, where delicate brushwork and thoughtful expression transcend time.
Mrs. Alexander Campbell of Possil (between 1756 and 1823)

Sir Henry Raeburn (English, 1756–1823)

A poised portrait of quiet confidence, blending elegance with masterful brushwork and subtle narrative depth.
Portrait of Anna Lampel (d. 1800), actress (1800)

Marcello Bacciarelli (Italian, 1731–1818)

A hauntingly intimate portrait of an actress, blending melancholy and grace with masterful brushwork.
A Lady Playing A Mandolin

Jean Barbault (French, 1718-1762)

A woman lost in music, her mandolin’s delicate details and flowing robes painted with tender precision.