Charles Chaplin (1825-1891) was a French Academic painter, born of an English father and French mother. He studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and, after a few years of painting rustic scenes and the peasantry, became a successful portraitist. Chaplin's body of work consisted almost entirely of pretty aristocratic women. While contemporaries looked to new styles in the future, Chaplin's subject matter reflected the Rococo delight in being rich and idle. Compare. His style was highly realistic, as well-displayed in this work The Soap Bubbles, which hangs in a private collection.Chaplin was also a noted art instructor. He opened a school which accepted only female students. Few art schools were open to women at the time, so many flocked to Chaplin. Among them was the famous American Impressionist Mary Cassat.
2 comments:
I have to say, John, that while I like pretty pictures, I've never cared much for art, per se. However, your choices in what you share have helped me to look for critically at art for its own sake and not simply as a commercial venture. Actually, can true art really be considered commercial? It doesn't seem so.
This is good stuff. And BTW, thank you for your very kind words to me. I suspect that it won't be long before some lucky church is going to realize how blessed they are when Rev John steps up to the pulpit! And you might even REVEAL yourself at that time!!
Thank you, Michael. I'm glad that the artblogging is appreciated.
Can true art be commercial? Well, some artists, like the previously-discussed Cot, are now known only for the works that they executed for private reasons. In general, I would say that the more famous an artist is, the greater flexibility he has. Bouguereau, for example, was commissioned by an American businessman to create this painting, with the only stipulation being that it not be a nude. At the time, it was enough prestige to hang a Bouguereau on the wall, regardless of the content.
Hopefully, I shall be Certified in May, and get a student pastorate after the summer. Hopefully.
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