THE PORTRAITIST Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun could paint anyone so they looked full of character, and vibrantly alive. So Europe's aristocrats clamored for her brush. But when the French Revolution toppled thrones and chopped off heads, she had to run for her life.

For 12 years across Europe, she chased her lost Eden. Can you ever get back to the Good Old Days?

Our guest is ⁠Judith Lissauer Cromwell⁠, author of ⁠Louise-Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Portrait of an Artist 1755-1842⁠.

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Music in this episode generously shared by:

Haydn Symphony 85 (famed as Marie Antoinette's favorite!) recorded by ⁠Ars Lyrica Houston⁠; J.S. Bach C Major Prelude and Brandenburg Concerto recorded by Kevin MacLeod; No. 8 Requiem by Esther Abrami; Apolcalyptic Echoes, Devil's Organ, and Frightmare by Jimena Contreras; Solo Cello Passion by Doug Maxwell; Alpine Bierhalle by Aaron Kenny; Length of Light by Amulets; Elegy by Wayne Jones; Catherine the Great's Russian Anthem; and Run Until Your Wings Grow by Late Night Feeler. Guillotine soundscape by Jorgemaca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices