It's not mine.
The artwork, that is. It's a detail of <--this painting, La Source (The Source or The Spring) by the French neoclassical painter Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (last name pronounced sort of like "anger" with the "ger" trailing off). I've been meaning to credit "the source," but I'm just getting around to it now.
I've mentioned in an earlier post that I'm an artist, and that I'll be using this blog to share some of my work, especially those pieces that relate to fertility issues. I'm also an art lover, however, and I'm finding it interesting to go back and explore how the image of "woman" has been handled throughout art history. I'm thinking that I'll pick out the ones that interest me most and update my About pic with them periodically.
I'm actually not a big fan of Ingres. I find much of his work to be distorted, fussy, and rather tra-la-la-la-blech. Lots of bathers and nudes lounging around on velvet and satin and feathers and stuff. But I've always been sort of captivated by La Source. And now she seems to do a nice job of hinting at what's in my blog. You might have noticed, however, that my About image looks a bit different from the original painting. I edited the graphic in Photoshop to heighten the shadows and intensify her direct stare.
My runner-up choice was <--this painting, L'Origine du Monde (1866), by the French painter, Gustave Courbet. I decided, however, to go with Ingres' more subtle work. Besides, I wouldn't want to risk people thinking the picture is a representation of my "area." It's a rather memorable image, though, don't ya think? If you'd ever like to see L'Origine or La Source in real life, they're both in the Musee d'Orsay in Paris.
Anyway, I've found some other great works of art that I'm excited to share. I'll post a new one at the start of each month.
I had never seen the second one. That definately would have made for an interesting about image lol.
Posted by: Jenn | October 29, 2005 at 07:50 AM
Yeah, you know, I've only come across it once before. I think there was a story about in Time Magazine, or something. I'm pretty sure that the painting was kept tightly under wraps until some time in the 20th century. And even at its modern-day unveiling at the Musee d'Orsay it caused quite a stir. I'm sure you won't find that surprising!
Posted by: pixi | October 29, 2005 at 08:09 AM
That second one is really a very appropriate image for an infertility blog - the depersonalised sex organs, the exposure with a sense of shame given the sheet over the head. Go on, I dare you to go with that one, at least for a few weeks!
Posted by: thalia | October 29, 2005 at 01:50 PM
I like your interpretation, Thalia. Oh, and a challenge! I think perhaps I will pop that one up there up some point. I've got something a bit tamer lined up for tomorrow, though. There's an old girl who's been on my mind a bit lately. I think she'll fit in there quite nicely.
Posted by: pixi | October 30, 2005 at 02:25 PM
Somehow we never got to that second one in any of my college art history classes...
Posted by: mm | October 31, 2005 at 11:46 AM
As I scrolled down and caught sight of the 2nd one, it actually took me awhile to realize what on earth that was!
I'll be looking forward to checking out the art over here!
Posted by: Lori | November 01, 2005 at 08:23 PM
Hi Lori, nice to meet you. I was glad to find your blog yesterday. And, uh yeah, sometimes I worry that when I've got my blog open that people will think it's a porn site. Oh well, let 'em wonder I guess!
Posted by: pixi | November 01, 2005 at 09:06 PM
Chiming in on the second painting: I think it's perfect. I found it beautiful first, shocking second, and only then did I begin to think it was ugly...and is that right to think? It's a thought process that looks a lot like my experience with TTC/infertility. I'm looking forward to your other selections.
Posted by: fisher queen | November 02, 2005 at 07:37 AM
Oh wow, great read, Fisher. I'm just blown away by that.
Posted by: pixi | November 02, 2005 at 08:11 AM