Angelica Kauffmann (1741–1807) was a pioneering Swiss-born painter and one of the few prominent female artists of the 18th century. Raised in an environment that encouraged her artistic talents from an early age, she showed remarkable skill in portraiture and history painting. Her talent quickly gained her entry into elite circles across Europe, from Italy to England, where she became a founding member of the Royal Academy in London, one of only two women admitted at the time.

Kauffmann’s work often combined elements of Neoclassicism with a softer, more intimate touch, setting her apart from her male counterparts. She was known for her portraits of women that went beyond mere likeness to capture a sense of character. Combining themes like literature and mythology with an underlying recognizable humanity made her work both accessible and respected.

Throughout her career, Kauffmann navigated the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field with quiet resilience. Her reputation was built on talent and she maintained a strong professional network across Europe. Kauffmann's legacy endures as that of an artist who helped carve a path for women in the fine arts.