Self-Insurance in "Self-Portrait with Two Pupils"

Labille-Guiard balances the brazenness of her self-promotion with overt symbols of virtue. A woman’s modesty would be a primary concern for the French public, and Labille-Guiard would not want to encourage further rumors about herself. In the background of the painting, barely noticeable upon first glance, Labille-Guiard has painted a bust. This bust is of her father. His bust is positioned to look ever-lovingly upon his daughter at work. Alongside her father’s bust, even more concealed is another figure. This figure is a statue of the Vestal Virgin. Including the Virgin was insurance against anyone who would try to comment on Labille-Guiard’s righteousness. Her inclusion of her father and the Virgin signals to the audience that she is a virtuous daughter.