I have done an ink and watercolour sketch based on Angelica Kauffman's 'The Artist hesitating between the arts of Music and Painting', from 1791 or 1794, which was in turn based on the Judgement of Hercules by Simon Gribelin, where Hercules has to choose between virtue and vice.

I have always had Art and Music in my life. I was captivated by this painting, done by an 18th century woman, when I saw it in the National Portrait Gallery last week. It was part of the Brilliant Woman exhibition (http://www.npg.org.uk/live/wobrilliantwomen.asp).

Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807), Painter

The Swiss-born Angelica Kauffmann was an artist of international training and reputation. She was escorted by her artist-father to study the Old Masters in all the major Italian cities. Time spent with the English community in Rome convinced her to come to London in 1766 where she joined Sir Joshua Reynolds's social circle. Her reputation for portraiture and history painting led to her becoming a founder member of the Royal Academy in 1768. Excluded from the life class, Kauffmann developed her own brand of history painting which focused on female subjects from classical history and mythology. (NPG website)

I wanted to make a modern version of this painting. Though not convinced that watercolour is the best medium for this, I have had quite a startling response from people I have shown this to. So here it is, my 21st century version of 'The Artist hesitating between the arts of Music and Painting.'