Self Portrait
of Elizabeth
Elizabeth Vigee- Le brun Born: 1755
Truly a woman before her time, this artist lived quite a spectacular life. During a time when most women were restrained from the workplace this pretty woman artist, born a commoner, began painting many members of Europe's royal courts.
She broke all rules of the day for women to became one of the most popular and well known artists of the 18th century.
A revolution, parties, gaiety and royal merrymaking-all the makings for a Hollywood blockbuster. Thus was the the lifestyle Mrs. Le Brun.
Hollywood couldn't make up the story of this woman's life and times.
She was taught by her father who was an artist until his death when she was 12.
At 15 she was contributing significantly towards the family income due to portrait commissions.
Her gender prevented her acess to prestigious art schools.
However her friendship with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette helped her gain admittance to the notable French Academy
She painted Marie Antoinette at least 25 times.
This association and friendship launched her extraordinary career and caused her to be in great demand by European Royalty. She painted the most exquisite women of French society who were living carefree opulent lifestyles. The French Revolution soon put a damper on things!
Elizabeth was one of the most beautiful and glamourous women in her own right and painted the other members of elegant aristocracy before the violent and terrible revolution.
Elizabeth was afraid for her life due to her close ties to the French monarchs. Desguised as a scullery maid, she and her daughter fled to Italy under cover of darkness. This same night Louis XVI and the Queen were being brought from Versailles to Paris to face the guillotine.
While exiled In Italy she studied great works of art by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Rubens. She continued to be seriously diligent in her pursuit of excellence in art.
She spent several years in Vienna attending society balls and concert halls. Her work there was in constant demand. She continued to be as beautiful and witty as she was talented.
Her popularity exploded.
Rome, Florence, Naples, Vienna and everywhere she traveled, Le Brun was besieged with portrait requests from European aristocracy.
In St. Petersburg Elizabeth was invited to dinners, balls and numerous gay social events in the city. She attended so many social engagements one wonders how she had the time to paint.
Welcomed and honored by the Queen of Prussia, Le Brun painted two portraits of her in pastel.
Elizabeth painted many members of the family of Catherine the Great at the peak of her power and prestige.
In England she painted British notable Lord Byron.
In Switzerland she was made honorary member of Socite pour L'Avancement des Beaux Arts of Geneva.
Her beloved daughter Julie died of pneumonia in 1819.
This amazing mostly self-taught artist overcame remarkable odds during a time of profound social unrest and turmoil in 18th century Europe.
Le Brun has paintings in major museums including The Hermitage, London's National Gallery, and the Louvre in Paris.
