Self-Portrait with Two Pupils, Marie Gabrielle Capet (1761–1818) and Marie Marguerite Carraux de Rosemond (1765–1788)
Adélaïde Labille-Guiard
"Self-Portrait with Two Pupils" is a painting created by Adélaïde Labille-Guiard in 1785. The work features Labille-Guiard alongside her two students, Marie Gabrielle Capet and Marie Marguerite Carraux de Rosemond. This composition highlights the artist's role as a mentor and her commitment to the education of women in the arts. Labille-Guiard was one of the few female artists admitted to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in France. The painting is notable for its depiction of the three women engaged in the artistic process, emphasizing their shared dedication to painting. The work reflects the Enlightenment ideals of education and the increasing visibility of women in the art world during this period. The identities of the pupils are significant, as both Capet and Carraux de Rosemond became recognized artists in their own right. The painting is characterized by its vibrant colors and detailed rendering, showcasing Labille-Guiard's technical skill. It is currently housed in the collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes.
"Self-Portrait with Two Pupils" by Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, created in 1785, features the artist in a three-quarter pose, confidently gazing at the viewer. She is depicted in a dark dress with a white collar, which contrasts with the lighter tones of her pupils' attire. The two pupils, Marie Gabrielle Capet and Marie Marguerite Carraux de Rosemond, are positioned to the left and right of Labille-Guiard, respectively, each engaged in their own artistic endeavors. Capet is shown painting a still life, while Carraux de Rosemond is depicted drawing. The composition is balanced, with the figures arranged in a triangular formation that draws the viewer's eye across the canvas. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, while the rich color palette adds depth and vibrancy to the scene. The background is softly rendered, allowing the figures to stand out prominently. The painting exemplifies the artist's skill in portraying both her own identity and the mentorship of her pupils within the context of 18th-century art.