Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755–1842) was a celebrated French painter, renowned for her skill in portraiture. Born in Paris to a portraitist father and a hairdresser mother, she was exposed to the arts from an early age. Demonstrating exceptional talent, Vigée Le Brun quickly developed her skills and established herself as a prominent artist in a period when female painters faced significant societal barriers.

Her career reached its zenith when she became the official portraitist of Queen Marie Antoinette. During this time, she produced a multitude of portraits of the queen and her family, which are among her most acclaimed works. Vigée Le Brun's artistry was marked by a delicate blend of Rococo and Neoclassical styles, notable for vibrant colors, expressive detail, and a natural, yet elegant portrayal of her subjects. In 1783, she achieved the rare honor of being admitted to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture, a testament to her exceptional skill and reputation.

The onset of the French Revolution forced Vigée Le Brun into exile, during which she traveled and worked throughout Europe, including in Italy, Austria, Russia, and Germany. This period not only expanded her influence but also enriched her artistic style. Upon her return to France, she continued to paint and contribute to the art world. Vigée Le Brun's legacy is profound, celebrated for her artistic prowess and for breaking barriers for women in the arts. Her works remain a testament to her mastery of form and color, capturing the elegance and personality of her era.