Vigée Le Brun

A biography written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the life of Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, a celebrated 18th-century portrait painter known for her close relationship with Queen Marie Antoinette and her significant impact on the art world. The book chronicles her journey from a talented young girl in Paris to one of the foremost artists of her time, highlighting the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. In the narrative, MacFall explores Vigée Le Brun's early life, detailing her upbringing in an artistic family and her rapid rise to prominence as a painter. The book details her notable works, her unique style, and her portraits of prominent figures of her era, including numerous depictions of Marie Antoinette. Throughout, it touches upon her personal struggles, including her tumultuous marriage and experiences as an exile during the French Revolution. Ultimately, the biography not only serves as a tribute to her artistic achievements but also paints a vivid picture of the social and political turmoil of her time, illustrating how these influenced her life and work.