In 1800, at a time when women were not respected as serious artists, Marie-Guillemine Benoist painted this portrait of a Black woman, which now resides in the Louvre.
I'm also officially hooked on your substack. This was so incredible well said about a powerful painting. I've always wondered about the model as well as the artist. It's such a stunning painting, and as you aptly pointed out there are so many layers to it. I also didn't know about the end of the artist's life, though I suppose it's not surprising. Thank you for writing this! I'm officially a new fan.
You must realize, Luka, that you have made my day. Thanks so much for reading and sharing this encouraging, enthusiastic response. "The Portrait of Madeleine" has always meant a great deal to me, and I was particularly invested in writing about it, however briefly, within the context of the Art Drop. I'm glad you found it, that you "got it." And I look forward to reading "In a Sentimental Mood." You had me at Art and Jazz. Thanks again for weighing in and giving me this much needed lift today.
It’s a powerful work of art, for sure. Thanks for sharing something that is new to me and for your perspective. I agree with most of what you say, especially your I-Thou Namaste reflection. Regarding the possibility of exploitation in this case, though, I think you might be forgetting the history and development of the nude as an acceptable and common subject for artists, especially from the Renaissance onwards, many white European painters using white women and men as models. It began with religious and mythological subjects, but expanded to include more naturalistic nude portraits of contemporaries, all prior to 1800. To that extent, this painting is part of a tradition, not necessarily just one of a vulnerable black woman. Also, even regardless of that, what we see in the painting is not just the nudity, but a cultural representation., indicated by the traditional clothing. It’s invariably true that the strict social mores of European society at the time would dictate that a lady should not undress in public, but would those same social mores govern this woman’s social existence? If the answer is no, just on a sociological level, this painting can be called a bold and realistic depiction, not an attempt to cover up and ‘Europeanize’ her. It’s her clothing, that contributes to her dignity, not her vulnerability. Just some thoughts that I hope are helpful. Thanks again.
Your comments are very helpful indeed. Certainly I’m aware of the history of nudity in art. And I see that I should have been more specific in fixing the nudity in this portrait to the social mores of the time. You make a very good point about the model’s clothes. However, I hope I didn’t imply any effort to Europeanize her. But we definitely agree that the artist has made a bold and realistic painting.
I should explain that I had initially promised to keep these Art Drops to about a minute. And I knew I’d gone well beyond that in this piece. There’s so much to say about the painting. Which is why I’m really grateful for your response. Thanks so much!
No, you didn't imply that at all. My point was that there might be a stronger case to make in seeing exploitation if she were 'Europeanized'. As for keeping your Art Drops to a minute, I understand maybe you don't want to tax people's attention spans too much, but you also don't want, I'm sure, to give any work of art short shrift! It's a balancing act, but I would err on the side of adequate coverage. Just my two cents. Keep it up!
Yes, she does! Today we might say she looks “centered,” which is really something given the times. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your reaction to this beautiful work of art.
Think you might enjoy this @Shadé not Sade & @A Black Girl and The Arts
Thanks! I just subscribed to both. Much appreciated.
I'm also officially hooked on your substack. This was so incredible well said about a powerful painting. I've always wondered about the model as well as the artist. It's such a stunning painting, and as you aptly pointed out there are so many layers to it. I also didn't know about the end of the artist's life, though I suppose it's not surprising. Thank you for writing this! I'm officially a new fan.
You must realize, Luka, that you have made my day. Thanks so much for reading and sharing this encouraging, enthusiastic response. "The Portrait of Madeleine" has always meant a great deal to me, and I was particularly invested in writing about it, however briefly, within the context of the Art Drop. I'm glad you found it, that you "got it." And I look forward to reading "In a Sentimental Mood." You had me at Art and Jazz. Thanks again for weighing in and giving me this much needed lift today.
ah! A fellow jazz fan! I'm delighted to have found your space Andrew! And to have found another who adores The Portrait of Madeleine as well. :)
I enjoyed reading this! I learned something new! Thank you!
Very glad to hear it. Thank you for taking the time to read it and share your reaction. It means a lot.
Of course!!
It’s a powerful work of art, for sure. Thanks for sharing something that is new to me and for your perspective. I agree with most of what you say, especially your I-Thou Namaste reflection. Regarding the possibility of exploitation in this case, though, I think you might be forgetting the history and development of the nude as an acceptable and common subject for artists, especially from the Renaissance onwards, many white European painters using white women and men as models. It began with religious and mythological subjects, but expanded to include more naturalistic nude portraits of contemporaries, all prior to 1800. To that extent, this painting is part of a tradition, not necessarily just one of a vulnerable black woman. Also, even regardless of that, what we see in the painting is not just the nudity, but a cultural representation., indicated by the traditional clothing. It’s invariably true that the strict social mores of European society at the time would dictate that a lady should not undress in public, but would those same social mores govern this woman’s social existence? If the answer is no, just on a sociological level, this painting can be called a bold and realistic depiction, not an attempt to cover up and ‘Europeanize’ her. It’s her clothing, that contributes to her dignity, not her vulnerability. Just some thoughts that I hope are helpful. Thanks again.
Your comments are very helpful indeed. Certainly I’m aware of the history of nudity in art. And I see that I should have been more specific in fixing the nudity in this portrait to the social mores of the time. You make a very good point about the model’s clothes. However, I hope I didn’t imply any effort to Europeanize her. But we definitely agree that the artist has made a bold and realistic painting.
I should explain that I had initially promised to keep these Art Drops to about a minute. And I knew I’d gone well beyond that in this piece. There’s so much to say about the painting. Which is why I’m really grateful for your response. Thanks so much!
No, you didn't imply that at all. My point was that there might be a stronger case to make in seeing exploitation if she were 'Europeanized'. As for keeping your Art Drops to a minute, I understand maybe you don't want to tax people's attention spans too much, but you also don't want, I'm sure, to give any work of art short shrift! It's a balancing act, but I would err on the side of adequate coverage. Just my two cents. Keep it up!
Well said! Thank you!
I love the woman’s expression in this painting. She looks so calm and self-assured - almost regal. She exudes dignity. So beautiful.
Yes, she does! Today we might say she looks “centered,” which is really something given the times. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your reaction to this beautiful work of art.