Self-Portrait c. 1781

Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun made this self-portrait in France, a country on the cusp of revolution. As a woman in the 18th century, Le Brun faced significant barriers in pursuing her artistic career. The French Royal Academy, the gatekeeper of artistic success, severely limited the number of female members. Yet, she navigated these restrictions with skill, eventually becoming Marie Antoinette’s favorite portraitist. Her success speaks to her undeniable talent, but also to her savvy in cultivating relationships with powerful patrons. This image subtly challenges social norms. Le Brun presents herself not as a grand courtier, but as an approachable, intelligent woman. The relative informality of her dress and pose suggests a conscious effort to soften the image of the artist. To fully understand the painting, a historian would delve into archival material like the records of the Royal Academy and the correspondence of aristocratic patrons to shed light on the complex social and institutional dynamics that shaped Le Brun’s career.