Searching for Bouguereau

[Marvin Mattelson]

We'll just have to agree to disagree. However, I think you are making broad sweeping statements and confusing them with fact.

Are you the official spokesperson for Degas and Monet? Perhaps the term 'Bouguereaute' referred to the vast number of painters who were desperately trying to emulate Bouguereau's success by copying the superficial aspects of his work. Do you have an exact quote where they refer to him pejoratively, or is this an assumption on your part? Did they also specifically indict a "future vulgar public" or is this too your own assertion?

Personally, I use the term "impressionist" with a negative connotation, except when referring to people like Frank Caliendo, Frank Gorshin and Robin Williams. It's always a good thing to make people laugh.

"Truth" and "reality" very sketchy words, at best. I personally think that Bouguereau was quite truthful while, on the other hand, someone like Picasso was, in my opinion, strictly out there to dupe the public and as you stated, furnish the walls of the rich. I think that Bouguereau's early allegorical works were technically strong but vapid and empty. I think when he found his muse things changed drastically and even the technical aspect improved greatly.

As far as no one being able to take lessons from Bouguereau's content, I beg to differ, and offer myself as proof of at least one living vulgar soul who does just that.
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