Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children by Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun

Description

As the French Revolution approached, Louise Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun painted the queen's portrait in an attempt to win back public opinion. This documentary examines the historical and social context in which Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children was painted. It analyzes the work's composition and symbolism in terms of motherhood and political legitimacy, and attempts to counter the queen's reputation for debauchery. It also includes a discussion of Le Brun's background, Italian and Flemish influences, and her unique position as court portraitist in a male dominated field. Finally, we learn how the work was received by the Paris Salon and by the French people.

Runtime

25 min 48 sec

Series

Database

Films on Demand

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