Conduct research to identify and describe the emergence of female artists in eighteenth-century Europe. Specifically, look at prevailing social and cultural trends that affected these artists and their work. You can select from among these names: Adelaide Labille-Guiard (1749–1803), Anne Vallayer-Coster (1744–1818), Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun (1755–1842), and Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807). ANSWER The Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture, also called the French Academy in Paris, was the most important art institution with regard to sponsoring and supporting reputed artists in the eighteenth century. The most important patrons of women artists in Europe were women of the royal family of France, who were also influential members of the French Academy.

For example, in 1770, the artist Anne Vallayer-Coster joined the French Academy. She painted portraits as well as scenes of flowers, seashells, and fruits. She obtained support from Queen Marie Antoinette, and also from Adelaide and Victoire, who were daughters of King Louis XV. Later, in 1783, two more female artists (Louise Vigee Le Brun and Adelaide Labille-Guiard) joined the Academy. Vigee Le Brun was the favorite portrait painter of Queen Marie Antoinette. Labille-Guiard was favored by the daughters of King Louis XV.

When the French Revolution started in 1789, the royal family could no longer support these artists. Consequently, Vigee Le Brun and Vallayer-Coster left the country. They moved to the courts of Russia and England and other parts of Europe. Labille-Guiard stayed on in the new Republic. She chose to do portraits of the leaders of the French Revolution in 1791. In 1793, however, many of her portraits were destroyed by participants of the French Revolution.

During the French Revolution, which lasted until 1799, exhibitions in the Louvre’s Salon Carre began to welcome all artists.
Many female artists emerged to present their work in the Salon in the 1790s. This was a major change from the earlier tradition, when only reputed members of the Academy were allowed to showcase their work at the Salon.