"Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children" Introduction (03:48)

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Louis XIV married Marie-Antoinette, who was well-received in Paris. By1787, her extravagant behavior was unpopular. Desperate to change her image, she had her portraitist Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun paint her as a good wife and mother.

National Debt (02:54)

When "Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg" was unveiled at the Paris Salon, Louis XVI had drained national coffers and France was on the verge of bankruptcy. Radical fiscal reforms were rejected and libel campaigns criticized the queen’s expenditures and gambling.

"Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children" Symbolism (02:30)

The queen's placement in the Hall of Peace symbolizes her politically advantageous marriage and a column represents her royal stature. Vigee-Lebrun was the first portraitist to paint Marie-Antoinette in a flattering way.

Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun (03:17)

Family connections gave the protégé opportunities unavailable to most women. She began painting Marie-Antoinette and they developed a friendship. She dressed the queen in simple outfits for portraits to downplay her extravagant lifestyle.

"Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children" Inspiration (04:04)

After an unsuccessful attempt by Swedish portraitist Adolf Ulrik Wertmüller, Vigee-Lebrun was hired to paint Marie-Antoinette. She borrowed a composition from Rafael's "The Holy Family."

Projecting Maternal Bliss (03:43)

Rousseau's "Emilie" inspired Vigee-Lebrun. Marie-Antoinette's fourth child died before the Paris Salon opened, prompting Vigee-Lebrun to re-position the Dauphin prince in relation to the cradle. A jewelry cabinet references Cornelia, daughter of Scipio Africanus.

Smear Campaigns (03:17)

Marie-Antoinette's lack of jewelry reminded viewers of the queen's necklace scandal. A fraudulent case further damaged her reputation. Inspired by the Enlightenment, nobles began undermining the absolute monarchy.

Failed Propaganda Operation (01:12)

Madame Lebrun's portrait of Marie-Antoinette and her children was poorly received. It was displayed in Versailles until the Revolution and represents the monarchy's attempt to win back the nation.

Credits: Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children by Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun: Smart Secrets of Great Paintings (00:40)

Credits: Marie-Antoinette de Lorraine-Habsbourg, Queen of France and Her Children by Louise Elisabeth Vigee-Lebrun: Smart Secrets of Great Paintings