Vigée Le Brun

Portrait painting opens a route into eighteenth century French society in Haldane MacFall's account of Louise Elizabeth Vigée Le Brun. Beginning with her artist father's modest household in Paris, the biography traces a childhood spent drawing faces and learning among painters. Her father's encouragement, his early death and the support of other artists help explain the training of a girl whose ability soon drew attention.

The account connects her working life with the court of Marie Antoinette, professional rivalry and the gossip surrounding artistic success. In the middle excerpt, accusations about who painted her pictures accompany disputes over her admission to the Academy. MacFall also describes her long days at the easel and evenings among musicians, writers and fashionable guests. Eight colour reproductions accompany discussions of individual portraits. For readers interested in art and biography, the book brings technique, reputation and social life into the same frame.