Kauffman painting returns after 100+ years

The National Gallery is showcasing an Angelica Kauffman painting, 'Achilles Discovered Among the Daughters of Lycomedes,' for the first time in over a century. This 1787-1788 artwork, gifted alongside two other pieces by Swiss artists, represents a significant moment for the gallery.

It is the first time a history painting by Kauffman in oil has entered a British national collection. Previously, the National Gallery held her largest canvas, 'Religion Attended by the Virtues,' bequeathed in 1835, which was later transferred and believed lost in the Blitz of 1941.

Kauffman, a pioneering female artist and a founding member of the Royal Academy of Art in 1768, defied conventions by excelling in history painting. This genre, the most esteemed at the time, was intellectually demanding and typically inaccessible to women due to restrictions on studying nude models.

The painting depicts Achilles revealing his identity by choosing weapons over feminine gifts, a scene inspired by the Roman poet Statius's 'Achilleid.' It is displayed with works by fellow Swiss artists Ferdinand Hodler and Alexandre Calame, donated by Richard and Luba Barrett.

Kauffman, born in Switzerland and trained in Italy, achieved notable success despite limitations imposed on female artists. Her ability to excel in complex figure compositions within history painting distinguished her significantly during her time.