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Self-Portrait with Monocle, created by Anna Dorothea Therbusch
Anna Dorothea Therbusch was an 18th-century artist who began her career at 40 after raising children and learning art from her father. In Self-Portrait with Monocle, she paints herself confidently, holding a monocle, a symbol of intelligence usually linked to men. The dark background highlights her thoughtful expression. This portrait challenges gender roles, showing women as smart, capable, and deserving of recognition beyond traditional expectations. -
Self-Portrait of the Artist Hesitating Between the Arts of Music and Painting, created by Angelica Kauffman
Angelica Kauffman (1741–1807) was a Swiss artist who learned art from her father and became a founder of the Royal Academy of Arts. In her 1794 painting Self-Portrait of the Artist Hesitating Between the Arts of Music and Painting, she shows herself choosing between two passions—music and painting. The elegant, symbolic scene reflects her inner struggle and ultimate choice. The painting sends a powerful message about women having the freedom to follow their own path.