Portrait of a Woman: Art, Rivalry & Revolution in the Life of Adelaide Labille-Guiard

Bridget Quinn

Meeting: Thursday, December 19 @ 6-7:30 PM

Location: Kelly-McKenna Gallery, 1308 Third Avenue, Spring Lake, NJ

Summary: Portrait of a Woman by Bridget Quinn brings to life the story of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, an overlooked artist and feminist in eighteenth-century France. Set against the backdrop of a sweltering summer in Paris in 1783, the book captures the atmosphere of the Royal Salon, where men and women from all walks of life gather to admire, critique, and gossip about art.

Born in Paris in 1749 to a shopkeeper's family, Labille-Guiard rose to become an official portraitist at the royal court, despite the significant obstacles faced by women artists. She overcame societal barriers to join the prestigious Académie Royale and mentor other women painters. However, her contributions were largely forgotten after the French Revolution, overshadowed by her contemporary Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun.

In this illuminating biography, Bridget Quinn reexamines Labille-Guiard’s life and legacy through a feminist lens. With a blend of detailed analysis of her paintings, historical context, and creatively imagined scenes, Quinn sheds new light on the artist’s vision, sexuality, and role in art history. This compelling narrative offers a fresh perspective on a trailblazing figure who deserves to be remembered.
 

About Art Book Club: We meet the third Thursday of every month at Kelly-McKenna Gallery to discuss all topics art, architecture, and design adjacent. 

You can follow us on Instagram: @kmgbookclub

You can purchase our monthly reading selections at Thunder Road Books; (973) 436-0914.

Our monthly wine selection is available at Bottle Shop of Spring Lake; (732) 449-5525