Emma Hamilton and Late Eighteenth Century European Art

This book uses an art historical and feminist methodology to engage with Emma Hamilton, an eighteenth century celebrity who appeared in many works of art by important artists including Angelica Kauffmann, Benjamin West and Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun. Ersy Contogouris analyzes works of art in which Hamilton appears, her performances, and writings by her contemporaries to establish her impact on this pivotal moment in European history and art. This pioneering volume shows that Hamilton did not attempt to present a coherent or polished identity, arguing instead that she was a kaleidoscope of different selves that she used to both express herself and present to others what they wanted to see. She was resilient, effectively asserted her agency, and was a powerful inspiration for generations of artists and women.