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| "Marquise de Puysegur" by Vigee-Lebrun |
"As soon as the peace of my country seemed assured, I abandoned all thoughts of leaving it again, and divided my time between Paris and the country. I spent eight months of the year in my pretty house at Louveciennes, and in those surroundings my life flowed as smoothly as possible. I painted, I busied myself about my garden, I took long, solitary walks, and on Sundays I received my friends. So fond was I of Louveciennes that, wishing to bequeath the place something to remember me by, I painted a picture of Saint Genoveva for the church. Mme. de Genlis was good enough to dedicate a poem to me in acknowledgment.
If I gave away pictures, some were given me, and that in the heartiest manner. I had frequently expressed a desire that my friends should commemorate themselves on the panels of my drawing-room at Louveciennes. One fine summer's morning, at four o'clock, while I was asleep, the Prince de Crespy, the Baron de Feisthamel, M. de Rivi̬re and my niece, Eugenia Lebrun, set silently to work. By ten o'clock each frame was filled. My surprise may be imagined when, upon coming down to breakfast, I entered the room and found it adorned with these delightful paintings as well as with garlands of flowers. It was my birthday. Tears came into my eyes Рthe only thanks I was able to offer.
In 1819 His Highness the Duke de Berri signified his wish to buy my "Sibyl," which he had seen in my studio at London, and although I perhaps prized this most of all my works, I speedily complied with his request. Some years later I painted Her Highness the Duchess de Berri, who gave me sittings at the Tuileries with the politest punctuality, and besides showed me a friendliness than which none could have been greater. I shall never forget how, while I was painting her one day, she said, "Wait a moment." Then, getting up, she went to her library for a book containing an article in my praise, which she was obliging enough to read aloud from beginning to end.
While the Duchess sat for me I would become irritated at the number of
people who came to make calls. She took note of this and was so
considerate as to say, "Why did you not ask me to pose at your house?"
Which she did for the two final sittings. I confess that I never could
think of such affecting warmth of heart without comparing the time I
devoted to this genial Princess with the melancholy hours Mme. Murat had
made me spend. I painted two portraits of the Duchess de Berri. In the
first she is wearing a red velvet dress, and in the other one of blue
velvet. I have no idea what has become of these pictures."
To be continued
(Excerpts from "Memoirs of Madame Vigee-Lebrun.")
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