Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842) was a leading portraitist of 18th-century French aristocracy, famed for her elegant depictions of Marie Antoinette and other prominent figures. Her Rococo and Neoclassical style captured both likeness and personality with refined beauty.
Vigée Le Brun’s sister-in-law (1764–1811) belonged to a theatrical family and was a talented amateur actress and singer. This intimate portrait of her is skillfully and quickly painted. Thick impasto gives substance to the ruff, which is fastened with a pink bow glistening with blue highlights. The frizzy, slightly powdered hair is rendered with a multitude of arcs and swirls.
