The French art writer Gustave Geffroy used to say that there were three “great ladies” of Impressionism; (Literally, he nicknamed them: “les trois grandes dames”)
So sad that her husband was threatened by and squelched her talent. Her work is exquisite. Thankful for its beauty in my life today. Thanks, George for giving us so much daily beauty.
There's nothing more precious than being introduced to new art. While the story of her artistic suppression is horrific it's not altogether unsurprising. Although it seems like Marie's husband was thoroughly unsuccessful in his attempts to stifle her talent, even decades later.
I’m glad to know you enjoy her work. And you’re right - sadly, there must be so many other women artists that suffered this kind of suppression too. But at least in this instance enough of her work surived for her talent to rise to the surface too.
Incidentally, her husband also participated in Impressionist group shows too . . . yet he has achieved nowhere near the long lasting impact that Marie has. So that feels like a small bit of justice too.
Her paintings are lovely. Thanks so much, George, for the art lesson. I always feel that I come away from one of your posts so much more knowledgeable of art.
Honestly, I am never fully confident when saying his name aloud either! But no matter the pronunciation, he definitely has to be in the conversation here!
Under the Lamp is stunning—and eerie. As you note, likely telling about the Bracquemond household as well. Among all the other marvelous things about your work here is unearthing talents like hers that were overlooked or actually suppressed. Her story reminds me of Alma Mahler’s, whose musical talent her husband actively discouraged, if not outright forbade. How many other such talents are out there, one wonders, who met this fate?
That’s a really interesting comparison between her and Alma Mahler. And yes, sadly I think are too many others who will have shared this fate.
But that goes for both men and women too, as I’m sure there are countless artists from both genders who were similarly dissuaded or outright prevented from pursuing their dream due to economic/social background, or family pressures etc.
Yes, while I can’t bring an example to mind offhand, I am sure there are many men who, for example, were pressured into abandoning art as an “unsuitable” vocation. How lucky we are that, despite these sorts of challenges, so many artists of both sexes persevered—and that people like you are here to tell their tales.
What a sad and sadly, not uncommon dynamic between Marie and her envious husband. The self portrait speaks volumes in the disappointed eyes looking out from the canvas.
Really loved this essay and learning about her works. Find them pretty amazing
Yes, it might be we never know enough about some people because they got discouraged by somebody or something just too much, too much to handle
Thank you as always, George- never can thank you properly and enough
Much appreciated. I’m really glad you enjoyed the article - and thank you for such a kind comment.
You are so right - a bit of encouragement really does make all the difference - and we never know quite how much certain artists have to overcome.
Thanks for this introduction. I was previously unaware of Marie Bracquemond and her work.
So sad that her husband was threatened by and squelched her talent. Her work is exquisite. Thankful for its beauty in my life today. Thanks, George for giving us so much daily beauty.
Totally agree. But I suppose we can only be thankful that her work still managed to shine through nonetheless. Thanks for your kind words, Melanie.
There's nothing more precious than being introduced to new art. While the story of her artistic suppression is horrific it's not altogether unsurprising. Although it seems like Marie's husband was thoroughly unsuccessful in his attempts to stifle her talent, even decades later.
I’m glad to know you enjoy her work. And you’re right - sadly, there must be so many other women artists that suffered this kind of suppression too. But at least in this instance enough of her work surived for her talent to rise to the surface too.
Incidentally, her husband also participated in Impressionist group shows too . . . yet he has achieved nowhere near the long lasting impact that Marie has. So that feels like a small bit of justice too.
Her paintings are lovely. Thanks so much, George, for the art lesson. I always feel that I come away from one of your posts so much more knowledgeable of art.
Much appreciated, Nancy. I’m really happy to know you get that value here.
I love it when you bring Ingres into our lessons. This old Texas, Georgia, Irish-Scot canna ever figure out how to say his name correctly;-)
Dave, Forvo to the rescue:
https://forvo.com/search/ingres/
Honestly, I am never fully confident when saying his name aloud either! But no matter the pronunciation, he definitely has to be in the conversation here!
I look forward to each of your posts! Just became an annual subscriber in celebration of Marie. Thank you 🙏🏻
I’m really glad to know that. Thank you very much for your support.
Thanks for turning me on to Marie Bracquemond! What a (sad) story.
Under the Lamp is stunning—and eerie. As you note, likely telling about the Bracquemond household as well. Among all the other marvelous things about your work here is unearthing talents like hers that were overlooked or actually suppressed. Her story reminds me of Alma Mahler’s, whose musical talent her husband actively discouraged, if not outright forbade. How many other such talents are out there, one wonders, who met this fate?
That’s a really interesting comparison between her and Alma Mahler. And yes, sadly I think are too many others who will have shared this fate.
But that goes for both men and women too, as I’m sure there are countless artists from both genders who were similarly dissuaded or outright prevented from pursuing their dream due to economic/social background, or family pressures etc.
Yes, while I can’t bring an example to mind offhand, I am sure there are many men who, for example, were pressured into abandoning art as an “unsuitable” vocation. How lucky we are that, despite these sorts of challenges, so many artists of both sexes persevered—and that people like you are here to tell their tales.
What a sad and sadly, not uncommon dynamic between Marie and her envious husband. The self portrait speaks volumes in the disappointed eyes looking out from the canvas.
I really appreciate your introductions to artists who deserve attention and time, but passed me by. This is a great example. Thank you.
I like her treatment of light and shadow which seem to be central to her compositions (or these particular ones, anyway).