Following your bliss is not self-indulgent, but vital; your whole physical system knows that this is the way to be alive in this world and the way to give to the world the very best that you have to offer. There IS a track just waiting for each of us and once on it, doors will open that were not open before and would not open for anyone else. - Joseph Campell

Monday, January 21, 2013

Giovanni Boldini

Giovanni Boldini  The Master of Swish.  I wasn't really familiar with him.  I'd seen his work, which is really distinctive.  The closer I look and the more I see though, the more I like. Turns out he is a contemporary of my favourite Sargent, and now I can see some similarities in the portrait work, mostly in the fashion of the ladies that sat for them. If I was a woman wanting to get my portrait done at the time, I would absolutely pick Sargent.  If I was having my daughter's portrait done, I might very well pick Boldini.  Truth is, I'd prefer to have both.  =)

It seems that Boldini is not only known for his portraiture, but also as a visual presence during the Belle Epoque period in France.  I had not associated his paintings with Belle Epoque, but after looking into it I can see where his work does have a quality that captures that period.

Here are a few of my favourites.

A Lady with a Cat


Cleo de Merode


Arm with Vase of Flowers

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