Peace leads Abundance Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun (1755-1842)

The composition presents a close encounter between two female figures, rendered in a style characteristic of late Rococo or early Neoclassical portraiture. The foreground is dominated by a reclining figure with flowing golden hair, her upper torso bare and draped loosely in white fabric. She leans back against a pile of fruit – apples, peaches, grapes – suggesting ripeness and plenty. A second woman stands behind her, partially obscured by the first’s posture, and gently presses a kiss upon her cheek.
The artist has employed a warm palette, with rich golds, reds, and greens creating a sense of opulence and intimacy. Light falls predominantly on the reclining figure, highlighting her skin tone and emphasizing the luxurious texture of her hair. The background is dark, almost black, which serves to isolate the figures and intensify their emotional connection.
The arrangement of the figures suggests an allegorical narrative. The act of kissing implies a transfer – perhaps of qualities or blessings. Given the abundance of fruit at the reclining figure’s side, its plausible that the standing woman embodies a concept related to prosperity or nourishment, while the reclining one receives this gift. This reading is reinforced by the overall feeling of serenity and contentment emanating from both figures.
The positioning of the women – one passive and receptive, the other active and bestowing – introduces a subtle dynamic of power and dependence. The gesture itself, a kiss, carries connotations beyond simple affection; it can signify consecration, blessing, or even divine grace. The artist’s choice to depict this intimate moment in such detail suggests that the subject matter is not merely personal but holds broader symbolic significance related to harmony, sustenance, and perhaps even political stability – a world where peace fosters prosperity.