Angelica Kauffmann

By the late 18th century, Italy was home to many foreigners, particularly aristocrats—such as the Polish nobleman Stanisłas III Poniatowski, seen here—and artists, including the Swiss-born painter Angelica Kauffmann, author of this study drawing. Following a popular formula for Grand Tour portraits, the young prince stands amid classical columns, arches, and statues to suggest his appreciation for ancient art and history. For Poniatowski, travel to Italy was not only an educational journey, but also an escape from political unrest in his homeland. Similarly, Italy offered greater freedom to ambitious female artists like Kauffmann, allowing them to interact with an international network of patrons without the social scrutiny and family expectations they typically received in their homelands.