Cornelia, Mother of the Gracchi

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A neoclassical masterpiece depicting the Roman matron Cornelia presenting her sons as her greatest treasures. When a visitor displays her jewels, Cornelia gestures toward her children, declaring 'These are my jewels.' Kauffman's composition emphasizes maternal virtue and republican values through noble gestures, classical drapery, and architectural setting. As a founding member of Britain's Royal Academy, Kauffman was one of only two women among the original members. Her history paintings challenged the academic hierarchy that typically excluded women from this prestigious genre, establishing her as a pioneer in depicting elevated moral subjects.