'Distinction is what we all seek after...'
Sir Joshua Reynolds

In the late 18th century, most ambitious artists wanted to make their mark within the establishment. They were proud to be associated with influential patrons, and it was an honour to be admitted to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in Paris or the Royal Academy of Arts in London, where tradition was highly valued.

As founding President of the Royal Academy in London, Sir Joshua Reynolds sought to raise the status of artists. He depicted himself wearing the robes of a doctor of Civil Law, the honorary degree bestowed on him by Oxford University. The bust of Michelangelo in the background and his Rembrandt-like beret make clear reference to artistic traditions. The message is clear: this is an artist of distinction in the long line of great masters.

Elizabeth Vigée Le Brun based her self portrait on Rubens's 'Portrait of Susanna Lunden (?)' known as 'Le Chapeau de Paille' (The Straw Hat). A favourite of the French Queen Marie Antoinette, she earned an international reputation for her stylish portraits of royalty and aristocracy. In 1783 she secured one of only four seats reserved for women at the Académie Royale in Paris.

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