Portrait of Barbara Dall'Armi

German merchant Andreas Michael Dall'Armi commissioned Kauffman to paint this portrait of his wife Barbara. The artist depicts her in a high-waisted chemise dress accented by a blue shawl and hair ribbon that holds a tumble of curls. The height of neoclassical style, first made fashionable in France, the narrow white gown and loose unpowdered hair were based on the costumes see in ancient Greek and Roman art. Most noteworthy is Barbara's gente and sensitive facial expression, suggesting the love shared by patron and sitter, friends and family.