This January, Sotheby’s celebrates trailblazing female artists from the 16th through the 19th century with The Female Triumphant, a group of exceptional works of art that will offered in our Masters Week sales. In spite of extraordinary obstacles, talented artists such as Elisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, Fede Galizia, and Elizabeth Gardner Bouguereau paved the way for future generations of artists everywhere. In this episode of Masterworks: Expert Voices, 19th Century European Painting Specialist Alexandra Allen celebrates the achievements of Elizabeth Gardner Bouguereau through two of her works, Les Trois Amis and La Captive. As one of the most accomplished Salon artists of her time, she exhibited a total of thirty six paintings between 1868-1914, more than any other foreign or American female artist. In 1887, she had the distinction of becoming the first and only American woman to receive a Salon gold medal. Painted for the 1883 Salon, La Captive reflects Elizabeth Gardner Bouguereau’s careful treatment of figures, faces, hands, feet, and drapery within a subdued, tasteful color palette. Explore these works and more in Sotheby’s 19th Century European Art sale. (1 February | New York)
An American Woman in Paris: The Bold Style of Elizabeth Gardner Bouguereau
New York | 1 February
