Juno with a Peacock

Kauffman was one of the 18th century’s foremost proponents of the Neoclassical style. She trained with her father in Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, becoming familiar with classical and Renaissance masterpieces. Shortly before making this work, she moved to London, where her portraiture was sought after by aristocratic and royal patrons. Here, she portrays Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and protector of women. Juno is associated with loyalty, in contrast to her adulterous husband Zeus, and is often depicted with a peacock to symbolize her beauty and power.