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The Comtesse Du Barry in a Straw Hat

Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun French

ca. 1781

Not on view

The countess (1743–1793), the deposed mistress of Louis XV, emerged from the lowest ranks of society to pass through Versailles on her way to the guillotine. Vigée Le Brun pays homage to her grace and charm. The artist recalled that “she had the gaze of a coquette, her elongated eyes never opening completely.” Her hat and muslin dress would soon become the height of fashion.

The Comtesse Du Barry in a Straw Hat, Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (French, Paris 1755–1842 Paris), Oil on canvas, laid down on Isorel — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Title: The Comtesse Du Barry in a Straw Hat

Artist: Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (French, Paris 1755–1842 Paris)

Date: ca. 1781

Medium: Oil on canvas, laid down on Isorel

Dimensions: 33 7/8 × 26 in. (86 × 66 cm)
Frame: 38 3/16 × 30 5/16 in. (97 × 77 cm)

Classification: Paintings

Credit Line: Private collection

Accession Number: SL.1.2016.4.1

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