The artwork titled “Self Portrait, the Artist Hesitating Between the Arts of Music and Painting” is an oil on canvas painting by Angelica Kauffman, dated to 1791. It is an exemplar of the Neoclassical art movement and measures 215.9 x 147.3 cm. The self-portrait is housed at Nostell Priory in Nostell, UK. It is a visual representation of the artist’s personal conflict between her love for music and painting.
In this artwork, Kauffman paints herself at the center, poised between two allegorical figures representing Music and Painting. To her left, the embodiment of Music is adorned in a red dress, holding sheet music and gently reaching out to Kauffman, symbolizing the allure of musical arts. To her right is the figure of Painting, depicted in a bold blue dress with a dramatic red cloak, clutching a painter’s palette and brushes, while pointing into the distance, indicating a far-sighted vision associated with the arts of painting. The central figure of Kauffman appears contemplative as she is drawn towards both sides, her expression and stance embodying the hesitation referenced in the title. The use of classical drapery, harmonious composition, and the emotional undertones are characteristic of Neoclassical style, which sought to revive the artistic principles of classical antiquity.
