Jean-Leon Gerome was one of the great Parisian Orientalists.
They were artists that traveled to the mid-east studied, observed, photographed
and reproduced a version of a world that was very much a reflection of their
European sensibilities. They were not entirely accurate in tone or content but the
attention to detail of patterns, textures and physiology were impeccable. These
were works of beauty and technique that were academic gems. His fellows including Delacroix, Regnault and
others that supplied a vision of the mid-east that delighted mesmerized and to
a degree informed a generation of collectors. The mid to late nineteenth
century was fruitful and lush for these artists especially Gerome whose works were
popular and sold profusely around the world including many American buyers. At
least three of the images on this blog (including the richly lush The Snake
Charmer) are in American collections.
Gerome’s academic
style was much admired and rewarded before falling out of favor with the rise
of the impressionist and later modernist painters. Photography and the
increased access to mass travel beyond the elite classes were probably factors
in the Gerome decline in popularity. World views changed as taste and fashion are
constantly looking for “The New.” This applies just as readily to the world of
fine art as to any other aspect of culture.
On many counts and in fact Gerome was an artist and creator
of art of diverse themes and subjects. History, portraiture, stage and
literature are all found among his catalogue. He has influenced film makers
like Ridley Scott who used Gerome’s “Pollice Verso” as the informing
inspiration for his film “Gladiator.” There is an adherent narrative element to
the works of Gerome; they could well be scenes from great cinematic projections.
The theatrical quality of his work is without dispute. There is no greater
vision of drama or theatre laced with pathos and irony then Gerome’s “Duel
after the Masquerade.” It is on view and among the permanent collection of The
Walters Collection in Baltimore Maryland. The small 15.5” x 22.5” canvas is
monumental in thought and achievement.
For the lovers of art and imagery Jean-Leon Gerome remains
unsurpassed. His works are suggestions of mystery, eroticism and adventure.
They are classical and romantic, rich in detail and skillful executions. To
stand before a Gerome is to stand before genius and beauty.
