Self-Portrait in a Straw Hat

by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)

About this artwork

A luminous self-portrait inspired by Rubens's 'Chapeau de Paille,' showcasing Vigée Le Brun's virtuoso handling of light and texture. The artist presents herself elegantly dressed, holding a palette, confidently asserting her professional identity. The dramatic lighting from above illuminates her face and the elaborate feathered hat while creating subtle shadows that model her features. This painting demonstrates her ability to combine formal portraiture with spontaneous, natural effects. As Marie Antoinette's favored portraitist and one of the few women admitted to the Royal Academy, Vigée Le Brun used self-portraiture to establish her professional reputation.