Woman Playing a Harp
ca. 1778
Kauffman 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.
Oil on canvas
34 7/8 x 27 1/4 in. (88.58 x 69.22 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Lew V. Day in memory of her husband
66.63