Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, Self-Portrait with her Daughter, Julie, 1789, oil on canvas, 130 x 94 cm (Musée du Louvre). Speakers: Dr. Beth Harris and Dr. Steven Zucker
I don't know why but I'd never heard about female painters from this time period. I'm really happy to hear about this! To the library to find out more!! P.s. you folks are awsome!
There were lots of professional female painters in the 18th century. you might start with Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Marie Suzanne Giroust and Constance Mayer. On the British side of the Channel, there's Margaret Carpenter, Anne Forbes, Mary Moser and many others. All these were very successful (although most painted in the Neoclassical style, which isn't my cup of tea).
I adore this painting! I have a copy framed in my room. My parent bought it when moving into their first home as newly-weds. It makes me think of me and mum. :-)
Liked Vigee Le Brun's work since first seeing the self portrait - 1790 (0:46) many many, many years ago on the cover of an art history book. Such a bright pretty face, cannot help but keep looking and studying the image, such an amazing talent. The image of her with her daughter is so beautiful.
The "studied informality" is clearly seen here in the pyramid composition. And I think the gaze of the artist is not just showing pleasure, but at the same time, registers the alertness to appearances that would be at the centre of her art, as if she sees this scene in a mirror.
She cannot be your director ancestor as her only child Julie (in the portrait) did not have any children. However, it sounds like you are an indirect descendant (descended from her brother?). Very fascinating!
It didn't take me long to see Ms. Pretty again. Her daughter is precious, too. 🥰 I love their curls and sweet expressions. Le Brun's hair and the way her daughter's eyes match her dress... She was incredibly talented - it's hard not to love this.
