I saw an exhibition of Fantin-Latour’s work at the Bowes Museum some years ago. Apparently he quickly identified British industrialists as a receptive market for his flower paintings and used to knock them out when he needed money...that’s why there are quite a number in municipal galleries around the country. They may be pretty but you can have too much of a good thing and en masse that was very much the case, although not as sickly as a job lot of Renoir’s...
I've never seen them en masse, Lesley Anne - two or three together at most - and I guess a whole exhibition of F-L would be rather samey. But I'd love to own a single painting!
I'm having a day in Cambridge next week, Nicola; I have booked my slot at the Fitzwilliam.! But what I wouldn't give for a day out on the spur of the moment, no booking. I'd booked the V&A yesterday - well, it turned out to be the hottest day of the year, not a museum day - and so I plodded round, feeling guilty if I cancelled and also knowing it's booked up until Sept, so this was my chance! It did feel a bit dead - even the fountains were off - probably the least successful of my outings so far.
That was exquisite work.
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it gorgeous? There's an exhibition at Waddesdon though I don't imagine I'll get there!
ReplyDeleteI saw an exhibition of Fantin-Latour’s work at the Bowes Museum some years ago. Apparently he quickly identified British industrialists as a receptive market for his flower paintings and used to knock them out when he needed money...that’s why there are quite a number in municipal galleries around the country.
ReplyDeleteThey may be pretty but you can have too much of a good thing and en masse that was very much the case, although not as sickly as a job lot of Renoir’s...
I've never seen them en masse, Lesley Anne - two or three together at most - and I guess a whole exhibition of F-L would be rather samey. But I'd love to own a single painting!
ReplyDeleteWonderful. Yes, finally going to venture out to Heffers in Cambridge. I miss being out and about.
ReplyDeleteI'm having a day in Cambridge next week, Nicola; I have booked my slot at the Fitzwilliam.! But what I wouldn't give for a day out on the spur of the moment, no booking. I'd booked the V&A yesterday - well, it turned out to be the hottest day of the year, not a museum day - and so I plodded round, feeling guilty if I cancelled and also knowing it's booked up until Sept, so this was my chance! It did feel a bit dead - even the fountains were off - probably the least successful of my outings so far.
ReplyDelete