Madame Élisabeth de France (1764–1794)

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

ca. 1787 · Pastel on blue paper, seven sheets joined, laid down on canvas · European Paintings

In 1783 Labille-Guiard became one of only four women painters admitted to the French Royal Academy. A leading portraitist, she showed oils and pastels regularly at the Salon. She was also an important teacher for the next generation of women artists, as captured in her self-portrait with two pupils, a landmark painting also in The Met collection. This pastel is a study for a more formal portrait of Madame Elisabeth, the younger sister of Louis XVI. The king’s immediate family, notably his aunts, were key protectors and patrons of Labille-Guiard.

Artist

Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

Date

ca. 1787

Medium

Pastel on blue paper, seven sheets joined, laid down on canvas

Department

European Paintings

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. Frederick M. Stafford, 2007