VIGÉE-LEBRUN, Élisabeth: Self-Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie

Self-Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie (1786) Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun captures an intimate moment of maternal tenderness in this remarkable double portrait, showcasing her dual identity as both accomplished artist and devoted mother. One of the most celebrated painters of the late 18th century, Vigée-Lebrun deliberately positioned herself alongside her daughter Julie to challenge contemporary notions of femininity and professional ambition, asserting that motherhood and artistic genius were not mutually exclusive. The warm, affectionate composition and soft rendering epitomize the French Rococo sensibility she mastered, while her direct gaze and commanding presence signal her confidence as a woman who had already painted the royal courts of Europe.