Anne Vallayer-Coster

Anne Vallayer-Coster was a French painter born in 1744 and active until her death in 1818. She was a prominent figure in the Rococo art movement, known for her still lifes and portraits that showcased her exceptional skill in rendering textures and light. Vallayer-Coster gained recognition at a young age, becoming a member of the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1770, one of the few women to achieve this honor. Her work was celebrated by contemporaries, including Queen Marie Antoinette, who commissioned several pieces from her. Despite her success, Vallayer-Coster's legacy has been somewhat overshadowed by her male counterparts, and her contributions to the art world have only recently begun to receive renewed attention. The details of her later life remain largely unknown.