The Muse

1766 · Print

May one see it?

Not receiving at present

Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 2 days ago
In this state since: Aug 19, 2026
Source: The museum's own collection data

On the map Museum page

About the work

One of the most gifted woman artists of the 18th century, Kauffmann studied in Italy but had settled in London by 1766, where she was one of two female founding members of the Royal Academy in 1769.

Art Institute of ChicagoCC BY 4.0

Particulars

Accession number: 1991.129

In the catalog

Prints Etching Rococo Neoclassicism 18th century Switzerland

Sources

Art Institute of Chicago: the museum's own open data · fetched 8 days ago
Image: Art Institute of Chicago — CC0

Meanwhile, in the life of Angelica Kauffmann

The whole life

1764
Her portrait of Winckelmann
In Rome Kauffman painted a half-length portrait of the art historian Johann Joachim Winckelmann and also made an etching of it; in August 1764 Winckelmann wrote to a friend about her popularity: she spoke Italian and German, handled French and English with ease, could be called beautiful, and in singing could vie with the best virtuosi.
1765
Her portrait of Garrick in London brings her first fame
In 1765 her portrait of David Garrick, painted in Rome, was exhibited in London and brought Kauffman her first fame in England.
1766
Friendship with Joshua Reynolds
Reynolds became Kauffman’s firmest friend: in his pocketbooks she often appears as “Miss Angelica” or “Miss Angel”; in 1766 he painted her portrait, and she answered with her portrait of Reynolds.
June 1766
Arrives in London
In June 1766 Kauffman arrived in London, having been persuaded by Lady Wentworth to go with her. Lady Wentworth’s rank opened society to her, and the royal family showed her particular favour.
1767
Marries the impostor “Count de Horn”
In 1767 Kauffman married an impostor calling himself Count Frederick de Horn; the marriage ended in scandal: by one account it was declared void within a few months, by another the couple separated the following year.
December 1768
Founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts
In December 1768 Kauffman became one of the founding members of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, one of only two women among them.