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Born in Switzerland, trained in Italy, and celebrated in England, Angelica Kauffman emerged as one of Europe's foremost Neoclassical painters. Renowned for her portraits of affluent aristocrats, tourists, and celebrities, she also explored historical and mythological themes, drawing inspiration from the classical frescoes being unearthed at Pompeii.
In the Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, Theseus escapes the labyrinth with the help of his lover, Ariadne, only to abandon her on the Aegean island of Naxos. In this work, Kauffman captures the poignant moment when Ariadne, left behind, turnes away in despair as Theseus's ship departs.