Portrait of a Girl Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)

The painting presents a young girl depicted in a three-quarter pose against a dark, oval backdrop. The composition is intimate and focused entirely on her presence. Her gaze meets the viewer directly, conveying a sense of quiet confidence and perhaps a touch of playful curiosity.
Here we see a child with vibrant red hair, styled in loose curls that frame her face. A large, matching red ribbon adorns her head, adding a splash of color and drawing attention to her features. The artist has rendered the skin tones with considerable skill, capturing a youthful freshness and subtle blush on her cheeks. Her eyes are light blue, contributing to an overall impression of innocence and vitality.
The girl is dressed in what appears to be a dark velvet jacket, accented by a fur-trimmed collar and crisp white cuffs peeking from beneath. The fabric’s texture is suggested through careful brushwork, adding depth and realism to the portrayal. Her arms are crossed loosely over a small table or ledge, which provides a subtle grounding element within the composition. A book rests on this surface, hinting at intellectual pursuits or perhaps simply suggesting a moment of leisure.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure, emphasizing her importance as the central subject. The oval format contributes to the painting’s intimate feel, creating a sense of enclosure and drawing the viewer closer.
Subtly, the work suggests an exploration of childhood innocence and burgeoning personality. The direct gaze implies a level of self-awareness beyond what might be expected from a young girl. The choice of clothing – the velvet jacket and fur collar – suggests a certain social standing or familial affluence. While seemingly straightforward in its depiction, the painting invites contemplation on themes of youth, identity, and the complexities of portraying character through portraiture.