Synopses & Reviews
An overview of Gérômes oeuvre from his sources of inspiration to his influences on others. The public perception of Jean-Léon Gérôme has changed greatly over the past decades. Long stigmatized as an emblem of sterile academicism, he is now considered one of the nineteenth centurys great image makers. This catalog highlights and analyzes his bountiful expression of a visual grammar that takes illusionist obsession to the limits of the bizarre and establishes a resonance with all visual arts, including prints, photography, and cinema. In particular, it will make it possible to propose new approaches to such diverse issues as Gérômes place in the French painting of his time, his theatrical conception of historical themes, his complex exoticism, his use of polychrome in sculpture, his role as a teacher, his relationship with historical models, how the figure of this artist galvanized the anti-academy clash at the end of the nineteenth century, and lastly, the singular American destiny of his works. The catalog sets out to explore, beyond the immediate seductive qualities and accessibility of Gérômes oeuvre, its double identity, both erudite and popular, which now renders it so precious to art historians and to the general public.
Synopsis
Gérôme was one of the most famous artists of his day, yet throughout his career he was the object of polemical debate and harsh criticism. Long stigmatized as the embodiment of sterile academicism, he is now considered to be one of the greatest painters of the nineteenth century. Gérôme's interest in Antiquity, his theatrical approach to history painting, and his complex relationships with the Orient and with the new medium of photography all contributed to his highly inventive imagery. Aquired by American collectors at an early date, Gérôme's oeuvre fired teh new world's historical imaginatoin and even inspired its favorite medium, the movies. This catalogue traces Gérôme's unique career and features his major works - from history paintings to polychrome sculptures - thereby casting the nineteenth century in a new light.
About the Author
Laurence des Cars is chief curator and director of the France-Museum agency. Dominique de Font-Réaulx is chief curator at the Musée du Louvre. Edouard Papet is chief curator at the Musée dOrsay.