Welcome back everyone! Today Rebecca Budd curator of Chasing Art  and I are going to present and discuss the 18th century artist, Anne Guéret!

Resa – Rebecca, how wonderful to have you back! I know it is believed that this is a self portrait of Anne Guéret but no one can verify it. Still, I have included it in this series. I hope you are good with that?

Rebecca – I am delighted that you have included Anne Guéret’s Portrait of an Artist with a Portfolio, Resa! This painting revolutionized the portrayal of women artists. I believe that it is an essential addition to your “MHM”* series.

Resa – Well, let’s get to everything you found out!

Mlle Guéret the Younger

Anne Guéret (1760–1805), also known as Mlle Guéret the Younger, was a notable French painter who was active at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. Despite being orphaned as a child, she and her sister Louise Catherine Guéret were fortunate to be adopted by the renowned dramatist and librettist Michel-Jean Sedaine.

His act of adoption not only provided the sisters with a stable upbringing but also served as a catalyst for their artistic pursuits, shaping their future as prominent figures in the art world of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Under Sedaine’s care, they were introduced to esteemed painters Henri-Pierre Danloux and Jacques-Louis David, who provided them with valuable art lessons.

Salon Debut

Anne Guéret’s debut at the Salon in 1793 marked the beginning of her successful exhibition career. She continued to showcase her work in Salons until 1801, focusing primarily on presenting portraits of notable individuals. Her dedication to portraying prominent figures through her artwork and her lasting impression on the cultural heritage of France have solidified her status as a noteworthy figure in art history.

Resa – This particular “Salon” she first showed at is very famous. I’m just hearing about it now, and I think other female artists of the era presented there?

Rebecca – Indeed, they did! The Salon aka Paris Salon had its debut in 1667. It was the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Between 1748 and 1890, it was arguably the greatest annual or biennial art event in the Western world. The Salon played a significant role in the exhibition and recognition of artists during the 18th and 19th centuries.

While the official inclusion of women artists in the Salon was a gradual process, it did eventually provide opportunities for them to exhibit their paintings. Contemporaries of Anne Guéret, Anne Vallayer-Coster and Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, also participated in the Salon. Their contribution marked progressive attitudes towards women artists during that period.

Portrait of an Artist with a Portfolio

Anne Guéret’s “Portrait of an Artist with a Portfolio” was prominently displayed at the Salon of 1793, marking a significant moment in her exhibition career.

From a 21st-century perspective, the portrait of a young woman drawing by Anne Guéret (possibly a self-portrait) may appear unremarkable at first glance. However, upon closer examination, it represents a significant turning point in the history of women artists in Europe.

The depiction of the seated woman drawing a nude male figure, albeit likely from a print or sculpture rather than a live model, signifies a progressive shift in attitudes towards women artists in the late 18th century.

Resa – Yes, the nude figure is remarkable for that era. Very few women dared.

Rebecca – According to historical records and analysis, Anne Guéret was not the first woman artist to paint a nude figure. Previous female artists, including Artemisia Gentileschi and Lavinia Fontana, portrayed nude figures in their artwork.

However, Anne Guéret positioned herself drawing a nude male figure, which holds significance in the context of late 18th-century art. Anne Guéret’s choice to depict herself engaging in this subject matter challenged traditional gender roles, contributed to the evolving status and recognition of women artists and carries symbolic weight to the changing perception of women artists during that era.

This remarkable piece of artwork, executed with black chalk, stumping, pen, grey ink, and grey wash on buff paper, measures 320 x 404 mm (12 5/8 x 15 7/8 in.) and reflects Anne Guéret’s distinctive artistic style and technical versatility.

The Evolving Status and Recognition of Women Artists

Anne Guéret’s relatively limited body of work available to us today can be attributed to several factors. As a female artist during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, she faced societal and institutional barriers that restricted her artistic opportunities and recognition. The historical context of the French Revolution and its aftermath created a turbulent environment that may have impacted the production and preservation of her artwork.

These combined factors may have contributed to the scarcity of paintings attributed to Anne Guéret. Despite the scarcity of paintings attributed to her, Anne Guéret’s enduring impact and revolutionary artistic vision continue to inspire and enrich the cultural heritage of France and Europe.

Anne Guéret’s indelible mark on the art world of the late 18th and early 19th centuries transcends the limitations she faced as a female artist during that era. Her dedication to her craft and the symbolic weight carried by her artworks serve as a testament to the evolving status and recognition of women artists.

Currently held in a private collection in France, this portrait serves as a monument to Anne Guéret’s enduring impact on the art world of the late 18th century.

Resa – I’m so glad we’ve shared this portrait by Anne Guéret, especially since so little of her art survived.

Rebecca – Resa, thank you for the invitation to join you on “MHM” series of posts. This experience has truly been a transformative journey of self-discovery for me. Anne Guéret challenges us to embrace boldness in our creative pursuits, urging us to push boundaries and explore new possibilities without fear of failure. Her message serves as a powerful reminder to step outside comfort zones and unleash creativity without reservation.

For Rebecca’s research links not included in the text, click on the above banner.

You can also visit Rebecca in her Reading Room!

Photos of Portrait of an Artist with a Portfolio taken by © Resa McConaghy – May, 2024

Art Gallery of Ontario – Toronto, Canada

“MHM”* – Making Her Mark”