Portrait of Vigée-Lebrun 1770 - 1824

Editor: This is a print of a pencil sketch depicting the “Portrait of Vigée-Lebrun,” created sometime between 1770 and 1824 by Jean Philippe Guy Le Gentil. It gives off this wonderfully elegant and artistic vibe, and it really captures a specific era. What strikes you most about this portrait? Curator: I see a potent symbol of female agency within the constraints of 18th-century society. This portrait depicts a successful woman artist, Vigée-Lebrun, not just as a subject, but as an active creator, holding her palette and brushes. The feather in her hat, the delicate lace—they speak of aristocratic patronage, but her direct gaze challenges that. Editor: Challenges how, exactly? Curator: Think about the male gaze that often dominated portraiture of this period. Here, Vigée-Lebrun asserts her own identity and profession. She's not passively being looked at; she's actively creating, representing herself. Editor: That's a great point. It almost feels like she is both subject and object in this artwork. Do you think her self-representation through the art and in the art gave her a unique level of power? Curator: Absolutely. By controlling her image, Vigée-Lebrun challenged the existing patriarchal structure that confined women to limited roles. Her art became a form of activism, subtly pushing against societal norms, and laying the groundwork for future generations of women artists. Editor: I never considered that before, but now I definitely see this piece in a new, more empowered light. It is almost radical for the period. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. It’s through such intersectional readings, considering gender, class, and historical context, that we unlock the full potential of art historical analysis.