Lady Hamilton (1761–1815), as a Bacchante

Vigée Le Brun painted Lady Hamilton as a Bacchante around 1790, depicting Emma Hamilton — later famous as Nelson's mistress — in one of the mythological poses that was her professional specialty as a 'attitudes' performer. Hamilton had become celebrated in Naples for her performances of classical poses drawn from ancient sculpture and vase painting, and Vigée Le Brun's portrait memorializes this theatrical skill within the formal portrait tradition. The Bacchante costume — loose drapery, garland of vines — allows for a relaxed sensuousness that contrasts with the more formal portraits of aristocratic women that dominated Vigée Le Brun's practice.

Vigée Le Brun renders Hamilton with windswept hair and flowing drapery that evoke classical statuary in motion. The warm palette and energetic brushwork capture the famous vivacity of the sitter's theatrical personality.