In the early version of Ingres’ portrait of Madame Moitessier (bonus painting), is that the fingers of a hand sticking out from behind her black dress on the bottom left? Is there a story about that hand, if it is indeed a hand?
That is a really great observation. And honestly, I don’t know the answer.
Funnily enough, the seated version apparently was originally supposed to include Moitessier’s children - but Ingres eventually painted them out, as they would not sit still long enough to paint.
So my initial thought was maybe this was a similar situation, if it is a hand.
But also, as Melanie suggests, it could just as easily be explained as a glove too. And admittedly, I highly doubt Ingres would have made the error of leaving a stray hand in there by accident.
Thank you. I like them both, but I am surprised at the strong emotional reaction I had to Picasso's work. That is the first time I had seen that particular painting.
I felt that way when first seeing them together in real life too. I’d expected to favour Ingres’ work - but actually, Picasso’s version was really mesmerizing.
Glad you enjoyed it - and great knowledge about van Gogh too. I may do another article on this again in the future, as there are a lot of really brilliant examples of great artists painting other artists’ work.
Yes, I visited that exhibition a couple of times myself. It was amazing to see them both together in real life like that. I bet Picasso would have been absolutely thrilled with it.
Wow, that drawing by Ingres is smashing. His graphite sketches have so much more life and personality than his paintings, even when copied from someone else's work.
I must admit, I do enjoy his paintings too - but I tend to agree, his drawings are absolutely on a different level! Without a doubt, one of the great draughtsmen of all time.
I just love your thoughtful analysis, seeing influences that I missed in my past educational background. No artist is an island, even Picasso.
I loved reading this George, thank you for this!
Much appreciated, Giselle. I’m glad to know you enjoyed it.
Only seeing these two together would I have made the connection. Thank you for your valuable insights.
What an amazing comparison. Thanks so much.
Outstanding! Never knew about that connection before. Thanks. Great way to start the week.
Fascinating!
In the early version of Ingres’ portrait of Madame Moitessier (bonus painting), is that the fingers of a hand sticking out from behind her black dress on the bottom left? Is there a story about that hand, if it is indeed a hand?
That is a really great observation. And honestly, I don’t know the answer.
Funnily enough, the seated version apparently was originally supposed to include Moitessier’s children - but Ingres eventually painted them out, as they would not sit still long enough to paint.
So my initial thought was maybe this was a similar situation, if it is a hand.
But also, as Melanie suggests, it could just as easily be explained as a glove too. And admittedly, I highly doubt Ingres would have made the error of leaving a stray hand in there by accident.
I’m thinking it’s a glove.
Thank you. I like them both, but I am surprised at the strong emotional reaction I had to Picasso's work. That is the first time I had seen that particular painting.
I felt that way when first seeing them together in real life too. I’d expected to favour Ingres’ work - but actually, Picasso’s version was really mesmerizing.
Wonderful connection(s)! Thank you.
Thank you George for bringing out wonderful stories, which were otherwise difficult to get.
It seems that Picasso, by replacing the fan with the book, has also opened the fan.
Excellent piece! Thank you!
Much appreciated. Glad you enjoyed it.
His facility with hands is remarkable. And I finally have a paid subscription. Too good to miss out.
Totally agree - and thanks so much for choosing the paid subscription too. I really appreciate your support.
It’s honestly a no brainer for me when I sat down and realized how much I have learned and appreciated.
Wow! Thank you. I love this piece of art history. Van Gogh paid homage to Millet in one of his last paintings.
Glad you enjoyed it - and great knowledge about van Gogh too. I may do another article on this again in the future, as there are a lot of really brilliant examples of great artists painting other artists’ work.
The NG put these two pictures side by side in one their mini exhibitions 2-3 years ago. All you say and more. The catalogue is still available.
Yes, I visited that exhibition a couple of times myself. It was amazing to see them both together in real life like that. I bet Picasso would have been absolutely thrilled with it.
Wow, that drawing by Ingres is smashing. His graphite sketches have so much more life and personality than his paintings, even when copied from someone else's work.
I must admit, I do enjoy his paintings too - but I tend to agree, his drawings are absolutely on a different level! Without a doubt, one of the great draughtsmen of all time.