Princess Elisabeth de Bourbon, Princess of France, 'Madame Elizabeth' (1764-1794)

Welcome, everyone. Today, we're looking at a captivating portrait by the celebrated female artist of 18th-century France, Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. This is "Princess Elisabeth de Bourbon, Princess of France, 'Madame Elizabeth'", painted in 1779 and currently housed in the Louvre Museum. nn The painting presents Princess Elisabeth from the chest up, her body gently turned to the side while her gaze directly engages the viewer. This pose, common in royal portraiture, exudes both elegance and a sense of approachability. Notice the artist's masterful use of light and shadow, a hallmark of the Rococo style. The soft, diffused light illuminates the Princess's face and shoulders, highlighting her youthful beauty and the delicate details of her complexion. nn The princess is adorned in a luxurious white dress, its simplicity accentuated by a vibrant blue sash – a subtle nod to her royal lineage. A delicate wreath of pink roses crowns her elaborately styled hair, adding a touch of softness and femininity to the composition. Vigée Le Brun's meticulous attention to detail, particularly in rendering the textures of fabric and the subtle sheen of the princess's skin, showcases her exceptional technical skill. nn Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this portrait offers us a glimpse into a pivotal period in French history. Princess Elisabeth, a tragic figure who met her end during the French Revolution, is immortalized here in the prime of her youth. Through Vigée Le Brun's masterful brushstrokes, we connect not just with the princess's outward appearance, but also with her spirit – her intelligence, grace, and a hint of the melancholy that often tinged aristocratic portraits of the era.