Style Imitating Art…
Welcome to Style Imitating Art which comes from Salazar, Shelbee, and me. You can think of this series as fashion meets art museum! SIA challenges people to find inspiration in different art works, create looks based upon that art work, and share them with the curator for that piece. I am this week’s curator. It’s a beautiful illustration. I hope you enjoy this post, the information, and my interpretation.
How it works…
Every other Monday one of us selects an inspiration piece of art and posts the image on their blog. We then invite others to interpret that art work through their style. The following Monday, we share our outfits. The curator shares submissions the following Wednesday on her blog. I chose this week’s art work for this round of Style Imitating Art. If you’d like, you can read why I chose it here. Please send your photo to me by Tuesday, July 16th by 10 pm EST. Style Imitating Art is an interesting way to inspire your outfits. You can see a few of my looks here, here, here, and here.
About the artist…
Constant Troyon was born in Sèvres, a suburb of Paris, on August 28, 1810. Through his father’s connections to porcelain manufacturers, Troyon quickly became a decorator of porcelain. Until he was 20, he painted minute decorations on porcelain. But, by the age of 21, he began travelling throughout France as an artist. He would paint landscapes until his money ran out. Then, he would look around for a china manufacturer to befriend and decorate porcelain until he had enough money to go traipsing about the countryside again. For some reason, that just makes me really happy. I love that he did what he loved until he couldn’t afford to continue it, worked hard at what he was good at, then returned to what he loved. But, it does make me wonder if he didn’t have much luck selling his other artworks.
A little more…
Although Troyon worked in the ateliers of porcelain manufacturing, he was never formally trained as an artist. He did work with other artists who probably helped him hone his craft. Among these were Paul Huet (who introduced him to naturalist landscape painting), Camille Roqueplan, Théodore Rousseau, Jules Dupré, and Narcisse Diaz de la Peña, all of whom continued to influence his landscape paintings.
Still more…
Troyon was a painter in the Barbizon School. This artistic movement was around from about 1830-1870. One of its hallmarks was “its tonal qualities, color, loose brushwork, and softness of form.” Landscapes were the preferred motif, but animals were also included as the movement “aged.” Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot was an early member of this movement. We featured him here, and guess what? I selected that one, too! I guess I know what I like, right? If you’ll recall the Impressionists love plein air painting. The Barbizon artists might sketch or begin to paint a landscape, but they would almost always finish it at their studios.
Even more…
In either 1846 or 1847 (my sources didn’t agree), Troyon traveled to the Netherlands. While there, he saw Paulus Potter’s “Young Bull.” It was after this exposure to the painting of animals that Troyon achieved success. When he added animals to the lush landscapes he created, Troyon’s true talent emerged. Many saw his landscapes as just so-so, but his paintings of animals won him awards. In 1846 and 1848, he was awarded first class medals at the Salons. He was also elected to the Legion of Honor in 1849. While many of his friends of the Barbizon school were still having a hard go at it, Troyon was recognized as one of Europe’s “most prominent and highly rewarded painters (source).” Of course, the fact that he painted quite large paintings didn’t hurt, either!
Finally…
Troyon continued to paint and , in 1854, he created a home in Villers-sur-Mer. In fact, as a member of the jury of the Universal Exposition in 1855 and winning a first-class medal there, he was able to employ Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc to build a town residence with a large studio. The year, 1859, was to be the last time he exhibited at the Salon. Suffering from a venereal infection, his mental health deteriorated to the point he was committed to an asylum. He was released after eight months but died in Paris on March 20, 1865. By the end of the 19th century, his reputation was in tatters mainly due to the lack of interest in rural animal landscapes. Troyon never married and is buried in the Cimetière de Montmartre.
About the art work…
“Going to Market” is painted with oil on canvas. It measures 16 1/8 x 12 7/8 in. (41 x 32.7 cm). It is signed and dated 1860 on the lower right corner. It seems Troyon may have produced different variations of this painting. The one below is dated 1859 and is the property of the Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia (source). Our painting is not currently on view, but it is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. It was a bequest of Isaac D. Fletcher, 1917.
A side by side comparison reveals additional animals as well as another person. The time of year may also be different with the painting in color a more summer view with the black/white version being winter or spring.
My interpretation…
When I selected this art work, I hadn’t found any of Troyon’s other variations on it. Honestly, I thought it would be fun to have a black/white image so people could bring any color scheme to it they wanted. I looked at the art work in color, but I think it seems more autumnal in colors. So, when it came right down to it, I knew I would go with a black/white/grey outfit. This skirt has appeared on the blog many times. I also have it in an olive green color as well as another very similar in navy. It’s a beautiful, floaty skirt that works well for three seasons. It’s several years old and is from J Jill. The cardigan is from a collection Talbots did earlier this year with all kinds of chrysanthemums. My first choice, at the time, was this really cool shirt, but I knew I’d wear the cardigan more. The tank underneath is from Old Navy. I love these tanks and have them in several colors. I decided to be all artsy and edit some of my photos so they were monochromatic. Some are repeats; I wonder if you can tell which ones!
The Lewk!
Keeping with the monochromatic theme, I chose my black Franco Sarto sandals, a grey multi-strand pearl necklace from Stella & Dot, and a pair of silver hoops. I really like these sandals though I’ve gotten to the point where these would be for short walks and not long shopping trips. I can remember wearing flats like these on vacations when the kids were little. Oh, how our feet do change, right?
Wrap it up, Marsha!
I really had thought to be so much more imaginative with this SIA challenge. I thought I’d just do a really bonkers colorful outfit, edit the photos to mono, and then post a surprise color photo at the end. But, this outfit seemed just perfect for the challenge. So, can we talk? Would you be like Troyon and wander the world, painting what you wanted, then find a job when you’d run out of money? Can you believe an artist became renowned for his cows? Which painting do you prefer…the black/white one or the one in color? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as quickly as I can.
Don’t forget…
If you want to be included in the Style Imitating Art round up, send me your photo by 10:00 pm EST Tuesday, July 16th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on my blog on Wednesday, July 17th! I think there are lots of ways to take this challenge…the absence or presence (you get to choose) colors, the prints, the feeling it creates in you. Come on, give it a try! I think you’ll love it!
Thank you!
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, commenting, subscribing or emailing! It truly means so much to me! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.
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Where you can find me:
Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style, Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, Suzy Turner, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish as well as the Senior Salon Pit Stop (Esme’s Salon) and Slices of Life. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!
I love your take on SIA this week, Marsha. I actually have done a similar thing with the B&W photos. I’m publishing tomorrow so you can see what my contribution to the Style Imitating Art Challenge is. I really loved the moodiness of the painting and actually prefer the black, white, grey to the colour, although I do love the light shining on the sheep’s backs in the coloured one. The light and shade is beautiful. Thanks so much for another interesting link up. x
Thank you so much, Sue! I really had intended to take advantage of the lack of color to interpret the painting my own way. But, I decided to go the route where I knew I would be successful! I do like the black and white painting better, too. I think it makes it a bit more interesting! I’ll be round to your blog soon!
Morning Marsha,
Great art piece and story. Loved your outfit interpretation. Beautiful dog.
Greetings from a wet UK, Mary
Thank you, Mary! We have been getting the after effects of Hurricane Beryl with lots of rain and humidity. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and my interpretation. Jack is our third Westie, and he is definitely a character!
I love your black and white outfit and that black and white photo too!
Thank you, Joanne! I really like the black and white photos the best, but I figured I needed the color ones to show the details of my outfit even though they’re pretty much black and white.
It’s cool how the other version of the painting is almost like a sepia print.
I’m so cute that you included your fur baby!!
Xoxo
Jodie
Thanks, Jodie! I just had to have a dog in the photo since I don’t have any sheep!! I didn’t even go looking for the other painting. It just showed up in my research.
This is a very pretty achromatic outfit! The skirt looks fabulous – nice and drapey but not too high volume.
Thanks, Sally! It is such a great skirt…that’s why I have three! I’m pretty sure it’s polyester, but it feels like silk.
Gorgeous painting and I love how you used it to inspire your look. I. think you still kept it interesting with layers and print.
Thank you, Laura! I was really happy with the way it turned out.
I adore this black and white look Marsha! The addition of your cute pooch is icing on the cake.
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Thanks, Kathrine! I thought that photo of him looking right at the camera was perfect!
Ooh, I really like this black and white outfit! Your cardigan is really cute and I love that you included your pup in the photos! This was another fun round. I enjoyed learning about this artist. Although he pursued his passion relentlessly, he really did seem like a bit of a cranky fellow, didn’t he?!
Shelbee
Thanks, Shelbee! I kinda disappointed myself by not stepping out of my comfort zone and going for something really colorful and editing to black/white. I was just taking a page out of your book by including Jack! Troyon was definitely a different kinda guy…I loved the way they put his death…clouded intellect!
What a beautiful post. I like the black and white outfit and inspiration. <3 /Madison
FASHION TALES
Thanks so much, Madison! I really do like it, too!
I wondered what you would do with that painting and am impressed with your creative interpretation. One can almost imagine you on that donkey. Well done.
Thanks, Aletha! I truly am happy with the look I came up with though I’d intended something else.
And your pup represents the sheep =) I love this black and white interpretation: I don’t wear the combo often but it is a good one: about to put it on my list of blog post ideas. I have been planning ahead and taking pictures ahead as school is about to start again and my oldest is in need of money. Since the job of taking pictures will do mostly to his younger 13 year old brother, I am giving him an opportunity to take pictures until he goes off to college. Right now though, he is out there weed eating our hill to earn some “big bucks”.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Hahaha!! I thought about borrowing a giant sheep from a woman at church, but I waited too long. I am so impressed by how far out you plan. I’m usually only a week or so out. Good luck to your son earning those big bucks!
Thanks, Mireille!
Your original idea of editing a colorful outfit to look b&w in the photos and then surprising us at the end of the post with a full color photo was a fun one. But even the second painting, with the color, isn’t terribly vibrant or lively. Your colors are always magnificent. So I think this interpretation reflects the SIA art very well. Imagine ever being carefree enough to just work til you have ‘enough’ money and then heading off for a new adventure?? I don’t think I have had a carefree day like that in m entire life.
Thanks so much, Leslie! I didn’t find the second painting until I had already done the photos. I was going to go with a really colorful outfit that matched the prints and textures, but black and white was just easier. And I had a look that worked for it! Oh, I know…wouldn’t that be something…just make enough money to go out gallivanting around until you ran out of money. Of course, life was soooo different back then.
I think this is such a neat prompt that you guys always do! And this artist is amazing!
Thanks, Erin! I was so surprised by his way of life…work until you have money, then go paint! I’m glad you liked it!
What a delightful and inspiring post! I love how Style Imitating Art seamlessly blends fashion with the beauty of classic art. Your choice of Constant Troyon’s “Going to Market” is fantastic, and your monochromatic outfit interpretation is both elegant and creative. The way you’ve incorporated elements of the artwork into your style while staying true to your personal fashion sense is truly impressive. It’s fascinating to learn about Troyon’s journey and how he transitioned from porcelain decorator to renowned artist. Your thoughtful reflection on his life and work adds such depth to the challenge. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience and encouraging us to explore art through our own unique styles! Looking forward to seeing more amazing outfits and artistic interpretations.
Thanks so much, Anna! I really enjoyed creating this look as well as learning more about Constant Tryon. These fashion challenges are always lots of fun as I think outside the box!
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