Was Angelica Kauffmann's work considered too sentimental?
While I sought to convey emotion, the critique of excessive sentimentality is perhaps a misunderstanding of my intent. My aim was to represent virtuous sentiment, those noble feelings that inspire good conduct and reflect the refined sensibilities of an educated individual. The grace and elegance in my portraits, for instance, were meant to capture the dignity and inner character of my subjects, not to indulge in uncontrolled emotional display. Clarity and decorum were paramount.
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