Penelope at Her Loom
Painting by Angelica Kauffman
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Penelope at Her Loom is a 1764 history painting by the Swiss artist Angelica Kauffman.[1] It features a scene from Homer's epic poem The Odyssey part of Greek mythology. Penelope, while faithfully waiting for her husband Odysseus to return from the Trojan War, was pressed by various suitors to marry them as it was believed Odysseus had perished. She used a delaying tactic, suggesting she would only consider remarrying once she has finished weaving a burial shroud for her father-in-law Laertes. Each night she unpicks the day's stitching from the loom.[2]
| Penelope at Her Loom | |
|---|---|
| |
| Artist | Angelica Kauffman |
| Year | 1764 |
| Type | Oil on canvas, history painting |
| Dimensions | 169 cm × 118 cm (67 in × 46 in) |
| Location | |
Part of the emerging Neoclassical movement, he painting was produced while Kauffman was in Italy as a commission from a British Grand Tourist. The composition reflects common depictions of Penelope on Greek vases.[3] The face was based on an ancient statue of Niobe.[4] Kauffman subsequently moved to London where she was a founder member of the Royal Academy of Arts.
Today the painting is part of the collection of Brighton Museum and Art Gallery at Brighton Pavilion.[5]
