Who painted Monk from Calais?

Monk from Calais was painted by Angelica Kauffmann in 1773.

Where can I see Monk from Calais?

Monk from Calais is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Monk from Calais?

Monk from Calais is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Monk from Calais?

Museum-quality prints of Monk from Calais are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Monk from Calais

Angelica Kauffmann , 1773

Monk from Calais is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Angelica Kauffmann. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

The painting is called "Monk from Calais" by Angelica Kauffmann. It was made in 1773 using oil paint. The artist was Swiss, which might have influenced her work, and she created this piece at a relatively young age, which is an interesting fact about her career. You can learn more about the artist's style and other works at the State Hermitage Museum.

Overview

Angelica Kauffmann’s oil painting titled Monk from Calais was completed in 1773. The work is part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, where it is displayed among other 18th‑century European paintings.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts a solitary monk, identified by his habit, set against a muted background that emphasizes his contemplative demeanor. Though the identity of the figure remains uncertain, the composition invites reflection on themes of solitude, devotion, and the quiet dignity of religious life.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting showcases Kauffmann’s characteristic smooth brushwork and delicate handling of light. The subdued palette and careful modeling of the monk’s features reflect the Neoclassical sensibility that the artist embraced during her early career.

History & Provenance

Created when Kauffmann was in her early thirties, the work entered the Hermitage’s holdings through a 19th‑century acquisition, aligning with the museum’s effort to assemble a representative collection of European portraiture and genre scenes.

Context

Kauffmann, a Swiss‑born painter who achieved fame across Europe, was one of the few women to gain recognition in the male‑dominated art world of the 18th century. Monk from Calais exemplifies her ability to blend portraiture with narrative elements, a skill that secured her reputation among contemporaries such as Joshua Reynolds and Johann Zoffany.