Comments on: “Les Confidences” By Edmond-François Aman-Jean – A Close Look

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 18:26:44 +0000

In reply to Cynthia Riordan. Argh Cynthia, how did we not meet at IAPS?? And yes, IAPS, as always, was a marvellous experience! Hope to see you there next year :-)

By: Cynthia Riordan

Cynthia Riordan — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 22:38:02 +0000

Hi Gail,

Sorry to miss meeting you. My flight got in about 5:00 PM on the 6th and it was too late to drop by. Hope you enjoyed IAPS as much as I did!.
Cynthia

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 03:15:57 +0000

In reply to Joanne Gervais. Hi Joanne, thank you for your in-depth viewing of this painting. I agree there are some shortcomings in anatomy but for me, there is an overall feel of the painting being about colour and line and story rather than anatomical correctness. We still appreciate, for instance, the paintings of the Italian Mannerists like Pontormo and Parmigianino with their paintings of figures with elongated and sometimes not-quite-right anatomy. (Just take a look at the crazily wonderful "Madonna with the Long Neck"!) I can see all that you mention and agree (and disagree) in varying degrees. What really impresses me, however, is your thoroughness in engaging with every part of figures in the painting! Love that! Thank you!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 02:57:48 +0000

In reply to Margareth. Oh my gosh yes, that was a fun interpretation!! Thank you for sharing yet another take on this curious painting Margareth. LOVED IT!!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 02:56:30 +0000

In reply to Rosalie Funk. Exactly Rosalie!! I too love the imagination of everyone who's shared a story that emerged from viewing this painting!

By: Gail Sibley

Gail Sibley — Mon, 10 Jun 2019 02:40:24 +0000

In reply to Cynthia Riordan. Yayyyy!!

By: Joanne Gervais

Joanne Gervais — Fri, 07 Jun 2019 00:29:00 +0000

I agree with much of the description of the painting. But a little focus on the shortcomings of the work is also educational. The impressionists strengths without question were the understanding of light and its effect and the bold use of colour. But they fell short of accuracy in regards anatomy and form. I find it difficult to appreciate a work that has some obvious anatomical flaws that impede the full enjoyment of the work. One of the more obvious problems is the red head’s broken nose & overly distanced eyes and a neck that does not have the long elegance that female necks have.

The woman with the dark hair has some serious issues also. Her left arm actually looks broken and the beautifully painted hand on the skirt is connected to the forearm at a rather strange angle. Fabric follows the hollows and peaks of the body and that subtlety which shows mastery is missing. The mystery of the painting is there, it is unfortunate that the mastery of anatomy was not there to support it. Other issues include a lack of the subtle shadows that occur with overlap of fabric, etc. The face of the dark haired woman which I assume was to depict mystery, lack of detail, etc. unfortunately has the look of a pale white mask. Some of this may just be the aging of the painting over time where the whites increase in intensity. It may not have been painted this way. I do not wish to dampen the enthusiasm show this work, but if it is to be treated as a master painting, we need to look at it critically as well as optimistically.

By: Margareth

Margareth — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 12:39:28 +0000

Hi Gail,
This painting makes me think of a frequent theme end of 19th century in France; a prostitute and her madam. What leads my thoughts? The red dress, the naked shoulders, the fan, the laid back attitude, the shadowed face. The madam seems older and her expression could be her concern over a client, maybe becoming a serious lover! She would then lose her gain on this girl!
Well, that was fun interpreting ! Keeps my eyes on the ball. Ha ha.

By: Cynthia Riordan

Cynthia Riordan — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 22:53:58 +0000

Hi Gail,

Thank you and I will try and drop by and see what you’re up to!
Cynthia

By: Rosalie Funk

Rosalie Funk — Mon, 03 Jun 2019 20:04:43 +0000

I have always felt that a good painting is more than “painting good”. It leads the viewer in so the imagination creates its own story. Thank you all for sharing your story.