Woman Playing a Harp

Dateca. 1778

Maker Angelica Kauffman Swiss, 1741-1807

Label TextKauffman was one of the most sophisticated and well-traveled women of her day-a renowned painter, talented musician, and fluent in several languages. The daughter of a Swiss painter, she received early training in Italy before moving to London in 1766. In 1768 she became a founding member of London's Royal Academy, a sign of her already impressive reputation. She spent the last twenty-five years of her life in Italy. This may be the painting that Kauffman exhibited in 1778 at the Royal Academy under the title Portrait of a Lady Playing on the Harp. Moreover, it may be a self-portrait of the artist, as it bears a resemblance to other likenesses of her.

Object number66.63

Provenancepossibly L.C. Davis, London, by 1924; [possibly Seligman Rey & Co., February 10, 1937]; Hearst Foundation, New York; [Frederick and Nelson, Seattle, Washington, 1940]; purchased by Mrs. Lew V. Day (Dorothy Day), Seattle, Washington, 1940 - 1966; by gift to the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, 1966

Exhibition HistoryBellevue, Washington, Bellevue Art Museum, 17th, 18th, 19th Century Western Art, Oct. 30 - Nov. 24, 1975

Credit LineGift of Mrs. Lew V. Day in memory of her husband

Dimensions34 7/8 x 27 1/4 in. (88.58 x 69.22 cm)

MediumOil on canvas