Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet, French painter (b. 1761)

Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet, born Gabiou, was a French painter whose life and artistic career unfolded during a fascinating, tumultuous period of French history, spanning the late 18th and early 19th centuries. She carved a space for herself in the art world, a testament to her talent and perseverance, particularly notable given the societal expectations for women of her time. Her existence, marked by significant personal relationships and a recognized artistic output, offers a glimpse into the networks of female artists that often supported each other’s creative endeavors. She passed away on 18 April 1832.

Artistic Life and Notable Works

As a painter, Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet contributed to the rich artistic tapestry of her era. While details of her training and exhibitions might not be extensively documented in readily available records, her work received acclaim. Most notably, her painting, Portrait of Madame Villot, née Barbier, earned a place in the distinguished 1905 publication, Women Painters of the World, from the time of Caterina Vigri, 1401-1463, to Rosa Bonheur and the Present Day. This inclusion in a seminal work dedicated to recognizing the contributions of female artists across centuries underscores the quality and historical significance of her art, bringing her work to a broader international audience long after her lifetime.

Personal Life and Marriages

Jeanne-Elisabeth’s personal life was intertwined with the artistic and professional circles of her time. Her first marriage was to the renowned French sculptor Antoine Denis Chaudet (1763–1810). Their union connected her directly to a prominent figure in the Neoclassical movement, placing her within an influential artistic milieu. Tragically, Antoine Denis Chaudet passed away in 1810. Two years later, in 1812, Jeanne-Elisabeth remarried. Her second husband was Pierre-Arsène Denis Husson, a civil servant, a union that perhaps offered a different kind of stability or connection to administrative circles in post-Revolutionary France.

A Family of Artists

Remarkably, Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet was part of an extensive family network that included several notable female artists, a detail that sheds light on the supportive environments that sometimes fostered women’s creative pursuits during a period when formal artistic training and recognition were often difficult for them to access. She was the sister-in-law of the painter Marie-Élisabeth Gabiou. Furthermore, she held a familial connection as a distant cousin to Marie-Élisabeth Gabiou and her equally distinguished sisters, Marie-Denise Villers and Marie-Victoire Lemoine. This web of relationships suggests a powerful, perhaps mutually encouraging, circle of female painters who navigated the challenges of their profession together, sharing insights and inspiration. Marie-Denise Villers, for instance, is celebrated for her exquisite portraits, while Marie-Victoire Lemoine was known for her genre scenes and portraits, making Jeanne-Elisabeth part of a truly remarkable artistic lineage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet?
Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet, born Gabiou, was a French painter active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
When did Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet die?
She passed away on 18 April 1832.
Who was her first husband?
Her first husband was the distinguished French Neoclassical sculptor, Antoine Denis Chaudet.
Who was her second husband?
After the death of her first husband in 1810, she married Pierre-Arsène Denis Husson, a civil servant, in 1812.
What is her most well-known painting?
Her painting, Portrait of Madame Villot, née Barbier, gained recognition when it was featured in the influential 1905 book, Women Painters of the World.
How was she connected to other female painters?
Jeanne-Elisabeth Chaudet was the sister-in-law of painter Marie-Élisabeth Gabiou, and also a distant cousin to Marie-Élisabeth Gabiou and her sisters, Marie-Denise Villers and Marie-Victoire Lemoine, all notable artists of their time.