Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Born in Paris in 1755, Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun became one of the most successful portrait painters of her era. She was especially known for her portrayals of royalty, particularly Marie Antoinette, whose personal painter she became. Her canvases are vibrant, her subjects often quite fetching, and her career undeniably impressive.

Alas, for those hoping for a Jewish connection, Vigée Le Brun was a staunch Catholic, baptized and raised within the church. Her memoirs and extensive correspondence make no mention of any Jewish ancestry or ties. While she did travel widely and live in various European countries during the French Revolution, none of these movements led her to embrace or discover a Jewish heritage.

Her artistic accomplishments brought her fame and fortune, and her ability to navigate the tumultuous waters of European politics kept her brush busy. However, her contributions to art, while significant, don't quite offer a deep kvell for the Jewish people. We'll simply have to admire her work from a distance, without claiming her as one of our own.