Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau (1837–1922): America’s First Woman Salon Gold Medalist

In spite of extraordinary obstacles, talented artists such as Élisabeth-Louise Vigée Le Brun, Fede Galizia, and Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau paved the way for future generations of artists around the world.

19th Century European Painting Specialist Alexandra Allen highlights the achievements of Elizabeth Jane Gardner Bouguereau through two of her works, Les Trois Amis and La Captive. As one of the most accomplished Salon artists of her time, she exhibited a total of thirty-six paintings between 1868 and 1914, more than any other foreign or American female artist. In 1887, she became the first—and only—American woman to receive a Salon gold medal.

Painted for the 1883 Salon, La Captive reflects Gardner Bouguereau’s refined treatment of figures, faces, hands, feet, and drapery, all rendered within a subdued and tasteful color palette.