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Mme Josephina Grassini - 1805-07
oil on canvas
opera singer Mme Giuseppina Grassini (1773-1850). Vigee Le Brun painted Mme Grassini
three times in London in 1804 (3 Mme Grassini; two in oriental costume, one
large the other small, and another half-length) and three upon returning
to Paris (3 Portraits of Mme Grassini; one to the knee, the third with one
hand showing). This is believed to be the Paris "one hand showing" portrait.
One of the London paintings is included at this site.
Giuseppina Grassini - 1805 in the role of Zaire
on art page 43. Grassini was famed both for
her incredible voice as well as her dramatic abilities. She later came to
France and became mistress to Napoleon (whose very profile decorates the
cameo set into the sitter's belt in this composition).
This painting was included in the Sotheby's May 21, 1998 auction. |
