painted by: Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
She painted Queens and Kings. She was the official portrait artist to Marie Antionette. Much has been recorded by and of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun (1775 -1842).
Yet, who are some of the extended royalty whose Vigée Le Brun’s images linger on earth for posterity? I was privy to viewing 3 of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s portraits at the Making Her Mark exhibit. All 3 are of royalty.
The Marquise de Pezay, and the Marquise de Rougé with Her Sons Alexis and Adrien
This massive painting (4.5 ‘ x 5.1’) painted in 1787, was one of my faves at the exhibit. It was almost like being with living people.
The Marquise de Pezay
There is not much written about The Marquise de Pezay nee: Caroline de Murat, and I cannot find the date of her birth. From an old Auvergne family, she was very beautiful and quite penniless.
In 1776 she married Alexandre-Frédéric-Jacques Masson , Marquis de Pezay. The Marquis de Pezay was a French Military officer of distinction, a writer and encyclopedist. In 1777, at only 36 years of age he died at Pezay Castle.
Vigée Le Brun and the Marquise de Pezay both fled Paris in 1789 shortly after the storming of the Bastille.
The Marquise de Pezay found refuge in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she died in 1794.
There is also a record of her in Heidelberg in 1791.
In researching Caroline de Murat, you will also find Caroline Murat is the name of Napoleon Bonaparte’s youngest sister.
Marquise de Rougé
Nee: Natalie Victurnienne de Rochechouart de Mortemart (1759 -1828). Her father was Jean Victor de Rochechouart de Mortemart. Her mother was Charlotte Nathalie De Manneville.
She wed in 1777 to Bonabes-Jean-Catherine-Alexis de Rougé, the 3rd Marquis de Rougé. Five years later, returning from the West Indies on a battleship, he died.
In 1789 she and her sons left France for Switzerland, but returned to France in 1790. At that time, they lived in seclusion at the Château de Moreuil with her husband’s aunt, the Duchess d’Elbeuf. In 1791, she emigrated to Heidelberg, Germany, along with her children, her mother, and the Marquise de Pezay.
From the Journal of the Emigration -by: Count d’Espinchal (1748 – 1823) while living in Heidelberg, Germany. Published from the original manuscripts in 1812.
“I have found living here since the winter, the Duchess de Mortemart, mother of the Duke and of the Marquis de Mortemart, both of whom are deputies to the Estates-General … and both members of the majority of the conservative nobility. The Marquise de Rougé, their sister, a pretty and amiable widow, is here with her children (she looks more like their sister) … and Mme de Pezay … who is her intimate friend.”
She returned to Paris in 1798. Her lands had been expropriated and sold. So, she took room and board in a home run by former nuns. Her sons joined her in France in 1800. She died on 25 December 1828
Alexis and Adrien
Alexis Bonabes Louis Victurnien, Marquis de Rougé, ( 1778 – 1839) was a French military officer and Statesman.
In April 1804, he married Alexandrine Célestine Zoé Emmanuelle Thimarette de Crussol d’Uzes (1785–1866). They had 6 children.
Adrien Gabriel Victurnien de Rougé (1782 – 1838) was a statesman and distinguished soldier.
In 1809 he married Caroline de Forbin d’Oppède. They had 4 children.
The Comtesse de Cérès
Seems some scallywag royalty wormed its way into Vigée Le Brun’s life.
It appears as though Anne Marie Thérèse de Rabaudy Montoussin (1759 – 1834) married “The Roué himself”, Jean de Barry-Cérès when she was 18.
Jean de Barry-Cérès, from suspect lower nobility, may have added the “de” to his name. That was easy to do back then, and claim you were A somebody. It appears he earned a scrounged living by both legal and so/so illegal means (gambling parlours and pimping) .
Not only does there appear to be only a Jean Barry (no Cérès), but it is somewhat unclear if he did wed Anne Marie Thérèse de Rabaudy Montoussin, who would have been his second wife. Barry’s first wife was Ursule Dalmas de Vernongrese.
Anne Marie Thérèse de Rabaudy Montoussin apparently married “de Barry” when she was eighteen. This portrait was done in 1784. She would have been 25.
De Barry, the Roué, was persona extremely non-grata at the French Court. Yet, Vigée Le Brun befriended the Comtesse de Cérès.
The friendship did not last.
Vigée Le Brun was furious that gossip was accusing her of having an affair with the French Finance Minister, Charles Alexandre de Calonne; gossip fuelled by the actions of Madame de Cérès .
From the memoirs of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
“While I was painting her portrait, she did me an atrocious disservice. In her ingratiating way she asked me to lend her my horses and carriage to take her to the theater.
The next morning I requested my horses for eleven o’clock. Coachman, horses, nothing had come back. I learned that Madame de Cérès had spent the night at the Finance Ministry.”
All assumed the affair was with Vigée Le Brun, as it was her coach that spent the night outside the Finance Ministry.
Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun
I’d like to take a moment here to say how awed I was standing in front of Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun’s paintings. They took my breath away. Rebecca Budd, curator of Chasing Art has, written an outstanding 7 part series on Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.
Below is the link to the first article. Just click on “NEXT POST” and work your way through this enchanting recounting of a remarkable woman in history, or I might say – Herstory!
Princess Anna Alexandrovna Galitzin
Princess Anna Alexandrovna Galitzin (August 1763 — October 1842) was a Russian aristocrat of Georgian royal origin.
Anna was the daughter of the Tsarevich of Georgia. Growing up in Moscow, she knew a good deal of local power. This power was afforded her, because she was a member of the house of Bagration-Gruzinsky.
In 1785 she married the illegitimate son of Prince Aleksander Mikhailovich Golitsyn, Alexander Alexandrovich Litsyn. One year after his passing, in 1789, she married her third cousin once removed, Prince Boris Andreevicholitsyn. Together they had 8 children. Her husband died of a stroke in 1822.
Tsar Paul I came to the Russian throne in 1796. In 1798 he promoted Prince Boris to lieutenant general. In 1800, Boris did something to anger a higher ranking officer. The result was that he, Anna and her family were “compelled to retire” to their estate, in the province of Vladimir.
In 1801 Alexander I came to power, and high society of St. Petersburg accepted the family back.
Back in St. Petersburg, Princess Anna hosted a most influential salon.
Vigée Le Brun was charging high prices when Princess Anna commissioned it in 1797. However, money was not an issue. Princess Anna possessed of one of the largest fortunes in the empire.
Also on display was the working drawing, in black and white chalk with stumping on paper.
It seems the gown Princess Anna is wearing was a house dress, nothing fancy. Also, for reasons of modesty, the sheer arm sleeves were apparently added after completion of the portrait.
Thank you for reading another post of “Making Her Mark”
To read all posts just click on the Making Her Mark banner at the top of the side bar!
Please click on the banner below to go to the research links page.
Photos taken by Resa McConaghy – May 14, 2024
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
It looks like an amazing exhibition of portraits by an extraordinary artist, Resa. Thank you for sharing! And for the biographical information about the artists and portrait subjects.
Thanks Merril!
Lol, it’s crazy. that I even try to draw in the face of all the masterful art I see, but it’s also the inspiration.
Speaking of, I’m almost finished the last 2 drawings, and working up some questions!
You’re welcome, Resa,
The greatness of masters in any field should inspire, not stop others from trying.
I look forward to seeing it all!
Yes! I like the way you think!
🥰
Terrific post, Resa! Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun was an exceptionally talented painter, as the images you included show. And, yes, Rebecca’s series about her was tremendous.
Thanks Dave!
I am most grateful that Rebecca allowed me to link to her series. She did a brilliant job!
Yes, brilliant!
Didn’t they have colourful lives! Johanna de Bradley… hmm, I don’t quite think it does it. Shame- I wouldn’t mind being a Russian aristocrat. Just for a little while xx
Hahaha! “Resa de McConaghy”.
That name sounds like grounds for exile.
Yes, to be able to taste another life, like you say a Russian aristocrat.
I’d like to be a famous painter’s model/muse. Just for a little while.
Both Ladies, the Marquise de Pesay and the Marquise de Rouché, are smiling with parted lips and showing their teeth. That’s absolutely unusual! Normally, noblemen and -women, never did smile on their portraits, it has been considered as being beneath their station, up to the nineteenth century.
Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun has been an outstanding painter. One of her portraits can be seen here in Munich in the New Pinakothek.
Stay safe, dear Resa!
Yes, that is interesting, Martha. The toothy smiles may have something to do with the fact that Le Brun was trying to depict people in a more natural way.
I just live her work and it was thrilling to stand so close to it.
You stay safe too Martha!
PS – Did you get the Spam filter in control?
In former times people also didn’t smile with parted lips because their teeth have been so ugly. 😉
I do hope that the Spam filter is working properly now and is not making any more problems!
Have a fine weekend!
Yes, their teeth..and they wore wigs. Their hair was filthy and filled with lice.
Okay! I’ll be by tomorrow night to read a few posts. We will find out!
You have a fine weekend too! xxx
Oh no! I’m back in your SPAM!
Sigh! Please free me. I won’t comment on other blogs now, until you free me, because they will all go into Spam. Akismet figures if someone says you are Spam, you must be Spam!
Don’t worry, dear Resa, everything is fine, your comment is right there , I just Had to permit it manually. 😊
Have a fine Weekend! 🌞
Ahh!
Thank you, Martha!
Usually when when a comment is to be permitted manually, there is a notice that says “Comment is Under Moderation”.
On your blog the comment just disappears, which is what happens when a comment goes into Spam.
I had a very bad experience with Spam about 5 years ago. It took months for WP and Akismet to clear it up.
However, they told me I would from now on have to “stay up” with the Spam thing.
I should contact the blog owner immediately if my comment did not appear, as it was probably in Spam.
So, I am very nervous about being caught in the “Spam Web” again. I do not comment on any blog unless I have a way of contacting the owner.
You have a great weekend, too, Martha! xxx
what an amazing painter and I love the historical threads!
Agree, she was fabulous, and history is so fascinating. Thanks Beth!
Gorgeous pieces
Yes, agree Eunice.
And art is so much more powerful in real life.
Yes for certain.
🎨❦ ❦❦❦
No wonder this artist has captivated you. Her paintings are exquisite. Love the herstory attached to the subjects! Thank you, Sorceress!
xoxoxoxoxo
Thunder!
You are welcome!
Yes, herstory works for me, I means seeing it’s all about women.
This exhibition was “the greatest show on earth”. I have never gotten so drunk on art.
It’s crazy that it only went to 2 cities.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Sorceress!
Absolutely! Enough of the his. Time to bring in the HER.
I well believe you did.
That is nuts.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Yes, nuts.. assorted … all varieties.
It also showed in Baltimore.
The AGO & Baltimore Museum of Art worked on putting it together for the better part of a decade, from what I recall.
Art was gathered up and loaned from museums and private collections all over the states and Europe, as well as the AGO and BMA.
This makes me want to go to the Baltimore Museum of Art.
xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo
So cool. I didn’t get to go to the AGO when I was in Toronto. Next time, for sure!
xoxoxo 🧚🏻♀️🪄 xoxoxo
You sound like Bullwinkle. Next time for sure!
Maybe we could go together?
xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo
Hahaha!
And yes! That would be so cool.
xoxoxoxo 🧚🏻♀️🪄 xoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxo
Wonderful ‘Photos taken by Resa McConaghy’ but I don’t like Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun hat. All the best, TOF
Thank you TOF! I do try my best when I take pics of art.
Hats! I worked on a movie that was set 1830’s- 1890’s, and all women wore hats back then. It was only proper.
The director hated hats. Made for an interesting costume design challenge.
The details of these photos look sumptuous. Thank you for posting! 😀
My pleasure! These works take your breath in real life. ❦
Such beautiful art , Resa. Lebrun was exceptionally gifted. The history behind these royal ladies is fascinating. Thank you for once again shedding light on these important ladies in Making Her Mark.
Yes, Le Brun was definitely gifted.
Holly, we are lucky to have had artists who were able to capture what places, people and things looked like prior to photography. Otherwise how would we know anything about how life looked in the past?
It’s so humbling to draw after seeing her work. Still, I pencil on!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Her portraits are beautiful.
xoxoxo
…just like you!
xoxoxoxo
Too sweet lovely 🥰
🌹❦🐭🐭❦🌹
❤️🐭🐭❤️
I can’t get over how luminous her subjects’ faces are! I’m instantly drawn to them.
I agree!!
That whole effect is even more intense in real life. iIt’s like the people are alive, in the room.
Very interesting. I’m sure these artists were under pressure to create as flattering a portrait as possible but their compositions and palettes are wonderful. (and that’s what stands the test of time as they say!)
Yes, and these paintings have stood the test, craquelure and all.
Jan, interesting what you mention about flattering portraits.
Now.. take a pic and throw it through an AI filter and instant beauty!
I always wonder how the blind dates work, when people use these filters?
Hi Resa, this is a delightful post. I can’t believe how detailed and life like these portraits are. The people were all very lovely looking too.
Hey Robbie,
These people seemed almost alive when looking at these portraits, especially the one that was almost life size.
…and the paints. Where did artists buy paints?
Well, Le Brun was crazy talented. It’s wonderful to see how things looked in the past..the fabrics..OMG!
You are right, the talent of such painters is both inspiring and humbling 💓
💓💓
Wow, Resa!! What amazing photos; I felt like I was there with you! Although they’re all outstanding, my favourite, I think, is the portrait of The Comtesse de Cérès. That blue hat and the way the feathers seem to float in mid-air, and the details of the shawl are simply breath-taking. I really enjoyed hearing the history behind these special royal ladies! Thanks for shining a spotlight on Lebrun’s art. It must have been a joy to have seen these in real life!💙🎨👒
Ada!
Seeing these in real life was intoxicating.
This “Making Her Mark” exhibit was the “Greatest Show on Earth”. I’m shocked to know it only showed in 2 cities.
The Comtesse de Cérès is a wonderful portrait. That she was a scallywag adds a lot of intrigue to her story.
I’m hoping to get the next post in the series up in January.
May your every day be as bright as you are!
I love that come for visits!
x💙🎨👒o
I LOVE your ‘Making Her Mark’ series, Resa!! Thanks for taking us on a virtual tour of the Art Gallery of Ontario! I must pay a visit when I’m in Toronto!
What a delightful and insightful post, I love how you format the pics with all the story and explanations. These paintings are simply incredible!! The amount of details are astounding… how cool that they also showed the working drawing in b/w chalk with stumping on paper. Thanks for this beautiful post!
❦ 🧡 ❦ XOXOXO!
When you come here I want to take you to the AGO!
That show is gone, but the gallery ons several of the paintings and some very remarkable others.
I love doing these MHM posts and it makes me feel fabulous when you appreciate what I’m doing.
Yes, the working drawing is a bonus!
❦ 🧡 ❦🎨❦ 🧡 ❦
I wanna go so bad!! My hubby might be going to Toronto again in January for work, but tickets from Mpls is SO expensive, so I can’t tag alone 😦 Hopefully one day I can come visit you.
ALL your posts are fabulous, Resa!! And you have so many amazing creative friends to collab with, too! ❦ 🧡 ❦ XOXOXO
Aww, it will happen!
XOXOXOXO
Resa, what an extraordinary post. I LOVED it and have read through it a few times and have saved it for later reading. I felt as if I were standing right beside you in the gallery, listening to the echoes of history through each of these remarkable portraits. You’ve brought these lives forward with such energy and insight. I loved how you traced their stories beyond the canvas, following the threads of lineage, reputation, and intrigue. It’s exactly the sort of deep dive that makes art come alive again.
And thank you for linking back to ChasingART. That means more than I can say. One of the things I’ve learned through Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun is how essential context is. The people she painted, the politics she navigated, the rumours she endured. All of it shaped not only her work but her understanding of her own place in history.
Reading your research, I could feel that same spirit. You found the background to these portraits in a way that honours her artistry and her courage. I especially appreciated your note about standing in front of her paintings. She painted not only likenesses, but presence.
I’m delighted that we’re continuing this conversation across our blogs. Art truly becomes richer when we explore it together. Hugs across the miles, my dear friend!
Dear Rebecca,
Yes, you are right! Delving into the lives of the people in the portraits does make them come alive.
You know, the fact that you did that superlative series on Le Brun, was the inspiration for this post. I thought, well, now we know about Le Brun, so who are these people?
I’m saying had you not done the series, I would have shown the paintings but talked of the artist, not her subjects.
Yes, I’m thrilled too! Must get back. to the AGO! I love finding something that will tempt you!
HUGS!!!!
Super photos and wonderful history behind them. Amazing post!
Thank you Esther!
The history… Art Remembers Us!
As a diehard reader of historical fiction- I really enjoyed this. Thank you so much for delving so deep- so much of what you offered us today about these lesser-known noble’s – is just not something I would investigate unless I saw a movie or read a book in which they were characterized. This was really a treat.
Violet.
OH YAY!
Yes, history is revealed in the art of the past. Perhaps paintings give us a more honest look than the written words?
I am so thrilled this post is a treat.
Thank you for making my night!
Beautiful paintings, Resa. This post serves as my “learn something new every day” fulfillment. Learned a lot here today – the “back stories” to these folks are as intriguing as the art.
I agree Bruce.
We know a lot about artists, and their subjects are just as interesting.
Sometimes I think art(s) is one of the most honest depictions of the past.
Even fiction that is set in a certain time period can be more true to life than recorded history.
After all, the victors wrote most of the history books.
So happy you like this post!
What a great tribute by an amazing artist. Thanks for sharing her life and these wonderful paintings, Resa. Love thew history and comprehensive post!!!!💕
Cindy!
I love doing these posts on art by female artists.
Art is history. Art remembers us.
I love the herstory too, and I love you!
🧡 ❦❦ 🧡
I CAN TELL, YOU DO IT SOOOO WELL!
Yessss indeed and I love you too.. been thinking of you!!!!! xoxoxoxoxox
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Another fabulous feature, Resa. The stories and photos are terrific. Thanks for sharing this historical piece. 🐂
You’re welcome, John, and THANK YOU!
🎨X
🐂
🐂
😊X
Wonderful to see this excellent series here Resa. What women they were.
They certainly were!
This was the greatest show of art I have ever seen. xxxxxxx
I loved this series. So good to hear about the ladies for a change.
Yes!!! More to come. xxxx
Good xxxx
xxxxx
Another wonderful post Resa, full of historic information and Loved the art work displayed…
On a sadder note, scanning down through your posts, comments are now closed on the beautiful tribute you gave to your friend Trent. I am so sorry for you loss…
That was a most beautiful Tribute and I can see how much JOY you both shared in your appreciation of Art and Music..
Sending love your way dear Resa xx 🙏💖
Thank you so much, Sue!
I am wildly smitten by these women, our sisters from the past, who are finally having a bit of light shone on them.
It’s my joy to share what I can.
Trent -what a shock! We were in the process of doing a collaboration. He was only 61.
Thank you so much for you commiserations! I’m sorry comments were closed. I didn’t close them, so it may have been a glitch, which are not uncommon.
You be well Sue, peace and love to you and yours! xxx💓❦
That must have been really upsetting for everyone concerned Resa, in losing a friend and love one so suddenly.
On a lighter note, there were some amazing trail blazing women of the past who i admire so much for their talents and courage xx ❤️
Have a peaceful weekend Resa .. much love ❤️ xx 💗
Thank you, Sue!
I’ve got lots more women artists to feature from 1400-1800. It’s so exciting!
Much love to you and yours! May happiness walk before and behind you! xoxo💓❦
Many thanks Resa xx 😘 ❤️
xxxxxxxx
Amazing artwork and photography as always but it seems you have another string to your bow – that of royal genealogical detective! The level and detail in the info you posted is incredible.
Lol… genealogical detective.
There is actually more research available but it means spending time in the Research Library… with all its ancient books and mircofiche.
None of this can be removed from the premises.
Thank you, Tyeth!
That was wonderful. I learned so much and what lives those women lived. Outstanding post. Congratulations.
Thank you, Gi!
I LOVE doing these “Making Her Mark” posts. Lots to go. Hopefully I’ll get another one up in January.
xxxx
They are beautiful, filled with artwork and information about those women who were never given credit for their work.
I’m so glad I saw that show. I still have a lot of pics and artists to feature. I’m so excited!
Looking forward to the next one.
xx
Fantastic post, Resa.
Thank you, Tim! xxx
Resa, you must have spent hours and hours doing the research for this post. Looking at the art, it’s easy to see why you wanted to learn more. So many stories behind the paintings — and they really are splendid. Hugs.
Thank you Teagan, and I did spend some enjoyable research time.
AND… lots more research to do for more upcoming posts on female artists.
I love this art!
HUGS!
Exquisite paintings by a masterful artist, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun.Thanks for your photographs and writing, Resa!
The Comtesse de Cérès is definitely up to something with her sideways glance. And, what is going on with her nose? It looks horned! Payback from the artist?
Thank you for checking out the post, Cheyenne. Le Brun’s time is paying off in terms of seeing what history looked like. The fabrics are exquisite.
Hahaha! A horned payback!
Who know why her nose grows? Pinocchio Syndrome?
Stunning paintings featuring vibrant portraits created by an artist with a deep feminine intuition! Truly captivating and beautiful; thank you!
🙏👍💖🎨
Welcome and thank you, Aladin!
Le Brun is called one of the last great portrait artists of all time.
I suppose photography has dampened the urge to do portraiture.
I love art, as you know. I’m itching to get back to the art gallery.
Are you back from the hospital?
xxx🙏👍💖🎨
Yes, I’m back, although I need to wear devices for a week, and it’s quite uncomfortable! I agree—you can’t truly capture the beauty of a portrait through photography. Enjoy your mastery, my dear artist friend.
😊💖💞
Thank you, Aladin!
May your week go quickly to get rid of the devices, yet may it also be rich and rewarding!
🌟💙❦❦💓
🤗🙏💖🥰
Stunning works of art and history Resa.
Thank you for sharing 🥰❤️
It’s all my pleasure.
Thank you for reading and looking Maggie!
💓 🥰❤️
Your posts are amazing Resa, always a pleasure to read 🤗❤️🥰
Thank you Maggie! 🤗❤️🥰
Resa 🥰❤️
Maggie! xxx
Beautiful paintings, Resa. I can understand why you said it was like being there with the actual people. I’m fascinated by the women who achieved such success as artists back then, but it’s no wonder with the quality of the work. Thanks for the history too, and a bit of scandal. Lol. A wonderful post, my friend!
I know, the scandal is my fave part.
Yes, Le Brun’s OUTSTANDING talent was her ticket. Still, her father was a portrait artist, and that helped her get in.
I love doing these “Making Her Mark” posts.
More to come!
Resa,
You gave this one the . . . wait for it . . . royal treatment. It was like perusing a museum, only much more hip and groovy.
Lol… well lots more where this came from. I think I’ve done 10 “Making Her Mark” posts. It looks like another 10 anyway.
Great projects during winter!
MUAH!
You are prolific!
MUAH!!!
MUAH!
MUAH!
The portraits are outstanding. I find it staggering that this art was done before 1800. Thank you for the history and the timelines.
You’re welcome! It’s my pleasure.
The art is phenomenal. And not only was it done before the 1800’s, it was done by women.
Yes! That’s even more phenomenal.
❦
Well done again. Very. As usual.
Vigée-Lebrun was one of the great artists of that time. All the more difficult since women were not even allowed to belong to the Academy. It took her some time to get in. Then came the Revolution, and she was too close to the monarchy…
Considering her work was all of royalty or privileged, a high percentage of her work survived the revolution. Whereas other artists’ works were mostly destroyed.
Interesting how art is destroyed on purpose during and after wars.
Good point. Art “portrays” a time and a perspective. Or various perspectives… So when a contrary perspective comes into power… they destroy all traces of the other perspectives…
Look at your beloved street art. Every street artist paints a ‘societal’ perspective. The themes, the subjects, the composition, even the colours, all belong to the artist’s perspective…
Yes… it’s all perspective. On that note, it’s very cool that we are preserving street art, albeit digitally. It’s hard to preserve it, otherwise.
There is one example of non-digital saving of some Toronto street art that I know of.
About a decade ago, Banksy came to Toronto. One night he went around the city and painted 7 pics. 2 days later there was only 1 left. (I have that in my collection. The owner of the building bolted thick plexiglass over it.)
Anyway, people literally cut out pieces of buildings’ walls and carted off the art. One was painted on a traffic sign, and the sign was taken.
Lol!
You’re very right. I hadn’t thought about that.
YOU are preserving years of Toronto street art for posterity. You might even think of doing an expo on that? Get a collective of artists, city Hall?
And yes, Banksy. People go berserk… I only saw one once. In Paris. Bolted plexiglass on the wall. Didn’t last.
I think he had done a piece on a door to the Bataclan. Door was stolen almost immediately… Humans! 🙄
Brick walls were cut into. It’s crazy!
Interesting thoughts on my street art collection, Brian! I’ll look into that during the cold, isolating months of January & February!
I found 2 stunning murals yesterday, in a crummy part of the city.
Thanks for the idea!
👍🏻
Thank you so much for showcasing these lovely portraits, Resa. These works of art are truly amazing.
You are welcome, Dan! It’s my pleasure!
Thank you for highlighting a female artist! One incredibly positive thing about social media is that I’m discovering more and more female artists, scientists and inventors that I never knew about.
This is ..I think the 10th post on female artist of the past. Many are just being discovered now, as male artists had painted over their names, and claimed it as their own.
Grrr…that I did not know, but it doesn’t surprise me. I count myself a ‘humanist’ rather than a feminist but sometimes the injustices of the past [and present] make me burn.
I understand.
This particular art show was to bring female artists from 1400 – 1800 out of the shadows,, and unto the light.
It was the most wonderful inspiring art shows I ever saw.
If ever the two halves of humanity are ever to have true equality these shows will be critical in creating respect. As a very ordinary woman, I’m so proud that these women achieved such amazing things /despite/ living in a world that valued them not at all.
Yes, I agree! True gender respect is still a bit away here, and non existent in some places.
This series is one of my pet projects.
I’ll get another piece up after the holidays! Bravo to our past sisters who helped shine the light!
Pardon the late reply! I’ve been over on my other blog, and I seem unable to handle2 at once!
lol – I understand completely. I juggle between WP and Youtube so I know how it feels!
Amazing history Resa. The portraits are stunning. I love historical royalty so I enjoyed these mini biopics of incredible female pioneers of creativity. 💜🧡❌⭕❌
Thank you, Debby!
Doing research is a sort of fun. Even better, going to the Art Gallery!
And yes, the were pioneers.
xx🌟❦🌹❦🌟
Research can be fun for sure! But like you say, nothing beats going to the gallery. xo 💜🧡💚
xoxo❦🌹❦
What a fascinating post, Resa, and stunning portraits. Truly amazing talent! A different time, so the history adds another interesting layer. Thanks for sharing! Hope all is well! xoxo
Thanks Lauren! I’m all about the arts at this point of my life.
I’m also about my sisters, past and present.
Got a sick hubby right now, but other than that, things are reasonably smooth.
OMG, I found 2 amazing murals on my walk yesterday. Yahoo!
xoxoxo
Hope your husband feels better soon, Resa! I’ll watch for the new murals. Hugs ❤️🌸❤️
Hugs!
It’s hard when someone you love is sick.
🌹💓💙 Hugs!
I understand, Resa! Take care of him and you, and I’m always ‘here’ to lend an ear if you need. More hugs, my friend. ❤️🌷❤️
Thank you dear Lauren!
xo❤️🌷❤️
The portrait exhibitions are beautiful and the biographies you showcase breathes light. I really love this very much. 🙂
Thank you Charlie!
I enjoy history & herstory. It’s not often nice, lots of wars, torture and horrors in the name of religion, land expansion and power in general.
Still, the arts could not be put down. Messaging through the arts has been the bane of many a power figure.
Speaking of – Jesse Welles is really catching on. He’s alone in this area of protest songs, an outsider and he’s fearless.
Your gangstah prez must hate him.
Nonetheless, he got 4 Grammy noms. 🌟
I enjoyed this post – and I like the “Making Her Mark” approach and clicked over to Budd’s site – and I did not know that “clan mother” had this series and I look forward to following along with both of your posts when I can.
Wow, what an amazing opportunity Resa. Your photographs are stunning and the paintings are so stunning. It is hard not to just stare at each one for a while. All the women look so doe eyed and I find myself wondering – how did they get such curly hair. It always amazes me how and when these women managed during a period in time when if you were not somebody, life could be so hard for a woman. To die in a convent after such a short marriage, was interesting but very sad. I imagined you enjoyed looking at the gorgeous colors and material as well. Thank you for sharing so much about the painter, and the subjects as well. I appreciate the information and found it fascinating to learn how these women progress through their lives. Big hugs and love, Joni
I love art history, especially the history of women artists. Most are finally getting credit for their art now. Many female artists had their names painted over by male artists.
Modern techniques have uncovered much of this.
HAIR… they wore wigs!!
There was not plumbing and bathing back then. It was quite gross, really.
They used lavender water mostly to cloak the stench and were plagued with bad skin and head lice.
Many were almost bald from the lice. Some of the wigs were built over small bird cage structures, and the birds ate the lice.
They would weave miniature elaborate black velvet shapes to use as beauty marks to hide facial blemishes.
BIG HUGS!!!
Wow, Resa this is so fascinating. I never knew that about the head, lice, and certainly not the bird cages that were built underneath those elaborate wigs. I also did not know about the men putting their names over the women’s names of famous painters.
Francisco writes a lot about women artists that were ignored during the early centuries and I find that fascinating as well, and he shows their work and talks about their history a little bit.
I was truly fascinated by the way you approached this group of women and how they were related and what happened to each of them and when they died and how early two of their husbands died, just extremely interesting and sad . What a horrible time to live back then. I knew things were bad and dirty, and there wasn’t plumbing, but people did used to clean themselves even when my parents were alive with plumbing water outside and in basins the best they could do. I must say I do dig the wigs though. You never fail to disappoint. It was a fabulous post and I learned a lot from it. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and now you have me wanting more information about the wigs and the birdcages that ate the lice. I wonder if they wore the wigs most of the time or if they wore little covers over their head and cut their hair extremely short like Queen Elizabeth. At least in the movie where Kate Blanchett played her. Of course she was so beautiful in that movie and still is in my opinion. Thanks again. Hope you all had a good time or peaceful time for Thanksgiving. I’m sending my love and blessings to you and yours, my friend. ❤️🤗❤️