BIOGRAPHY SPOTLIGHT: ELISABETH VIGEE LEBRUN WRIITEN BY NANETTE FLUHR

HISTORICAL WOMEN ARTISTS PROFILED BY WOMEN IN ART

"Madame Grand" by Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, 1783, Oil, Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC

Élisabeth Louise Vigée-Le Brun (1755-1842)  one of the most important artists of her day, created over 600 works of art in a time when it was not common to be a female artist. She was born in Paris, France on April 16, 1755 and due to her remarkable skills, achieved early success as an artist. Her ability was so impressive that she became the official painter to Queen Marie Antoinette and painted her more than thirty times. In 1783, at the age of 28, she gained admittance into the prestigious and almost entirely all male Academie Royale. In 1789 because of her associations with the queen she had to flee the country for twelve years and traveled throughout Europe painting portraits of aristocrats. She was elected to membership of the academies of Rome and other European countries during this time. Vigee Le Brun continued to support her family and returned home and painted there until her death. 

I admire her strength, persistence and of course her incredible talent that gained her admittance to academies that were closed to most women. She overcame many obstacles and was able create exceptional art and support herself and her family throughout her lifetime. 

I first saw her work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was moved by her ability to sensitively capture beautiful skin tones and expressions, luminous textures and innovative poses. I had the privilege of painting a replica of her portrait of Madame Grand. This was especially meaningful because she taught herself to paint by copying the paintings of masters especially Peter Paul Rubens. Last year the MET had a major Vigee Le Brun Exhibit. 

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM'S OF ART'S PAGE ON ELISABETH VIGEE LE BRUN


Nanette Fluhr is an award winning classical realist artist who specializes in creating custom portraits. Her work is held in public and private collections worldwide and has been featured in numerous exhibitions.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO NANETTE FLUHR'S WEBSITE www.nanettefluhr.com

"Serinna" by Nanette Fluhr, 20 x16, Oil