La Vie en Rose Arts

Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun (1755-1842) had an extraordinary life. Her artistic talent was recognized early on by her artist father, from whom she received instruction and encouragement to pursue her passion. At the age of 15, she began earning a living as a portraitist. Le Brun captured the personalities of her sitters so well that she eventually became Queen Marie Antoinette’s favorite court painter. The artist’s loyalty to the monarchy led her to flee France with her daughter to escape the French Revolution in 1789. With their graceful poses, elaborate costumes, and engaging expressions, Le Brun’s portraits of society women made her one of the most respected female painters of the 18^th century. Vive Madame Le Brun!

Read more about Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun: https://www.metmuseum.org/essays/elisabeth-louise-vigee-le-brun-1755-1842

Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1931) started drawing at a young age and never stopped; not even when she was diagnosed with tuberculosis at the age of 19. While bedridden in a sanitorium, Sterrett continued drawing and was commissioned to illustrate three books of fairytales. She created lovely, imaginative scenes of mystical faraway lands she had only seen in dreams. Her princes, princesses, castles, and fire-breathing creatures were so charming that the young artist was paid a substantial sum – a remarkable achievement at a time when women rarely earned money as artists. Sterrett died of tuberculosis at 30, leaving a legacy of work that continues to enchant kids of all ages.

Read more about Virginia Frances Sterrett: https://artpassions.net/sterrett/virginia_sterrett.html#:~:text=Biographical%20Information,Missouri%20to%20live%20near%20relatives

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593-c. 1656) learned to paint in her father’s studio, and went on to paint for the highest ranks of European society. She turned her personal trauma into powerful works of art featuring strong women from the Bible and Mythology. Throughout her accomplished career she was inspired by historical female warriors who overcame obstacles with courage and bravery, just as she did in her own life. A wealthy male patron once insulted the artist by haggling over her fee and treating her, in Gentileschi’s words, “like a novice.” She responded in a scathing letter with “And now, I’ll show your most illustrious Lordship what a woman can do!” And she did.

Read more about Artemisia Gentileschi: https://www.theartstory.org/artist/gentileschi-artemisia/

Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) was one of the few women artists who were members of the Impressionists, a radical group of French artists in the mid-to-late 19^th century. Although critics at the time focused on the “feminine” qualities of her work, Morisot achieved an impressive amount of recognition in her lifetime. She is best known for painting intimate scenes of everyday life featuring the women who surrounded her. In Morisot’s world, aristocratic ladies and chambermaids were portrayed with the same dignity and respect. As the artist once eloquently wrote: “It is important to express oneself…provided the feelings are real and are taken from your own experience.”

Read more about Berthe Morisot: https://www.biography.com/artist/berthe-morisot

Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807) was considered a child prodigy – painting commissioned portraits in her early teens. She was trained by her artist father and traveled across Europe, working as his assistant. This provided the rare opportunity for a woman to see and copy numerous works of ancient classical art. Kauffman developed a calm, harmonious, neoclassical style of painting and excelled in depicting complex scenes from mythological, literary, and historical sources. The artist made such a huge impression in London, she became one of the only two women founders of the Royal Academy. Though often overshadowed by her male colleagues, Angelica Kauffman is recognized as an incredibly prolific painter who paved the way for women artists.

Read more about Angelica Kauffman: https://www.infinite-women.com/women/angelica-kauffman/

Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was born to a prominent Pittsburgh family who strongly objected to her plans of being a professional artist. At the age of 15, her stubborn determination led her to attend a fine arts academy in Philadelphia where, according to Cassatt, there was little to no instruction and female students were not allowed to draw from live models. Discouraged, Cassatt left the academy and moved to Paris, where she met the Impressionists. She became one of only four women in their circle, and the only American invited to participate in their revolutionary exhibitions. Though she is associated with intimate depictions of the private lives of women, Cassatt also explored themes of female independence and gender roles in the 19^th century. Her modern subjects and unusual viewpoints were innovative and fresh, making her one of the one of the most influential modern artists of her time.

Read more about Mary Cassatt: https://marycassatt.org/biography.html

Rosa Schweninger (1849-1918) was part of a Viennese family of artists. Her father was a respected landscape painter, and her first teacher. Growing up in this artistic environment allowed Schweninger to thrive as a painter. She continued to study at various art institutions in Vienna, where she was one of few Austrian women to receive formal training in art during the 19^th century. Schweninger explored the beauty of everyday life with remarkable realism and emotional depth. Being a female artist in a male-dominated field could not have been easy, yet she became renowned for her enchanting portraits, vibrant landscapes, and intricate genre scenes. Schweninger’s contribution to the history of art is truly a testament to her skill and dedication to painting.

Read more about Rosa Schweninger: https://www.niceartgallery.com/Rosa-Schweninger-oil-paintings.html