Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun

Recognized for her talent by her portraitist father, she studied art from childhood. After his death at age 12, she honed her skills by copying old masters like Rubens and Van Dyck.¹

Though professional in her teens, her studio was once seized for practicing without a license. She later joined the Académie de Saint-Luc in 1774 to formalize her career.¹

Married to art dealer Le Brun in 1776, she suffered from his infidelity and gambling. However, access to his vast collection of masterpieces played a crucial role in improving her skills.¹

Becoming the official painter to Queen Marie Antoinette in 1778, she secured her status. She built a deep trust with the Queen, becoming a star of the era through numerous royal portraits.¹

Possessing high sensitivity to sound, sight, and smell, she published her memoirs 'Souvenirs' in her 80s, containing both her life story and technical advice for young artists.¹