"The Origin of the World", Gustave Courbet. The most scandalous picture.
Back in 1866, the artist Gustave Courbet wrote his most significant work. For people of the XIX century, who were not tempted by intimate themes, this picture was shocking.
It is worth noting that even today "The Origin of the World" looks very bold and frank.
The name of the picture seems to many to be ironic, as if the artist is mocking the viewer. However, many find in this title an innovative approach and sacred meaning.
Link to the work itself HERE
The artist chose a particular angle of view. He showed only the body of a woman, her intimate part, but hid her face.
For many decades it was a mystery who exactly posed for the artist. The first version suggested that the model of the artist was Joanna Hiffernan.
But art critics have put this subject into question for a delicate reason. Joanna was, hmmm, red-haired, and the vegetation of the model on the canvas assumed a sultry brunette.
The secret was revealed only last year thanks to the letters of Alexandre Dumas Jr., who wrote them for George Sand. In these letters, the man let it slip that the image on canvas belongs to the famous ballerina Constance Kenyo (Constance Quéniaux).
This work was ordered from the artist by a Turkish diplomat who at that time resided in Paris and was intimate with the ballet dancer. This serves as an additional proof of who is depicted on "The Origin of the World".
For the contemporaries of the artist himself, it was no secret whose “charms” are painted on canvas. However, respect for a woman engaged in charity, made it possible to avoid wide publicity of this fact.
Shortly after the purchase of the work of Courbet, the diplomat lost his collection due to financial problems, and he was a noble connoisseur of paintings with intimate subjects.
such great story behind the ART
Absolutely right! Sometimes even behind very faded work real passions and amazing stories can be hidden)