Style Imitating Art: “The Boulevard Montmartre at Night”

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 the curator for this week’s art. I love the romanticism of the Impressionists and picked an artist I’d never heard of. 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, May 7th 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…

Settle in, my friends, because this artist led quite the life! Jacob Abraham Camille Pissarro was born on July 10, 1830 on the island of St. Thomas. At the time, it was part of the Dutch West Indies but is now in the US Virgin Islands. His parents were Frederick Abraham Gabriel Pissarro and Rachel Manzano-Pomié. While his father was Portuguese Jewish, his mother was French Jewish. The elder Pissarro caused quite the stir in the small community when he married his uncle’s widow. He had emigrated from France to help with his uncle’s hardware store, and this marriage was against Jewish law.

A little more…

From the ages of twelve to sixteen, Pissarro attended a boarding school in France. It was there he began his studies of French art masters and left France with a good foundation of drawing and painting. When he returned to St. Thomas, his father expected him to work in the family business as a port clerk. For the next five years, Pissarro would spend his free time honing his craft. At the ripe old age of 21, Pissarro, under the guidance of Danish artist, Fritz Melbye, left home and traveled to Venezuela. Along with Melbye, Pissarro drew absolutely everything under the sun! In 1855, he returned to France and studied the various paintings of Courbet, Charles-Francois Daubigny, Jean-Francois Millet, and Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot while taking classes at the École des Beaux-Arts and Académie Suisse. He felt those classes and instructors were stifling his creativity and approached Corot about studying under him.

Still more…

In the beginning, Pissarro created paintings that would be acceptable at the Paris Salon. This institution set the standards of what was acceptable when it came to art. At the annual exhibition, paintings would cover every possible inch of the walls from floor to ceiling. You did not want to be “skyed” which meant your paintings were close to the ceiling. This exhibition was a way for young artists to exhibit and possibly gain a following. Pissarro’s first painting was accepted in 1859. Just four years later, in 1863, Pissarro’s paintings were rejected as his style had evolved.

Even more…

While being tutored by Corot, Pissarro discovered the joys of “plein air” painting and often painted rural scenes together. Pissarro, unlike Corot who would complete his paintings in his studio, remained outdoors to complete his painting. At times, he would finish the painting in one sitting. In doing so, his paintings seemed to be more realistic. Corot, however, felt Pissarro’s work was “vulgar,”

“…because he painted what he saw: “rutted and edged hodgepodge of bushes, mounds of earth, and trees in various stages of development.” According to one source, such details were equivalent to today’s art showing garbage cans or beer bottles on the side of a street (source).”

A bit more…

As his discontent grew, so did Pissarro’s circle of painting buddies. HIs circle of friends included Claude Monet, Armand Guillaumin, and Paul Cézanne as well as Mary Cassatt. They struggled with the confines of what was accepted at the Paris Salon and began to experiment with other ways of painting. Pissarro as well as his new colleagues felt portraying individuals in natural settings rather than the artificial grandeur as demanded by the Salon was more in line with the changing face of art. Not surprisingly, all of their paintings were rejected by the Salon in 1863.

“Work at the same time upon sky, water, branches, ground, keeping everything going on an equal basis and unceasingly rework until you have got it. Paint generously and unhesitatingly, for it is best not to lose the first impression (Camille Pissarro).”

More…

In 1870, war broke out between France and the North German Confederation (which included Prussia). The Franco-Prussian war would only last July 19, 1870 to January 28, 1871, but the Pissarro family (wife and seven children) moved to London. Pissarro did not have French citizenship and was unable to join the army. During his time in London, he created several paintings foreshadowing his Impressionist style. Sales did not go well for Pissarro, though. In 1872, the family returned to France.

What was lost…

Over 20 years, Pissarro had created approximately 1,500 paintings. When he returned to his home after the war, only 40 remained. Soldiers had used them as mats outside in the mud to keep their boots clean! You have to wonder what was lost to the mud…over 1450 paintings used as door mats. Many believe these paintings were the first Impressionist paintings and some feel Pissarro was the inventor of Impressionism. Most, however, give that credit to Monet with Pissarro being a counselor and mediator between galleries and artists.

A skosh more…

In 1873, as an alternative to the Salon, Pissarro helped to establish the “Société Anonyme des Artistes, Peintres, Sculpteurs et Graveurs” including Cézanne, Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Degas. In total there were fifteen artists. Pissarro wrote the group’s first charter and helped to establish and hold the group together. In 1874, the First Impressionist Exhibition shocked and horrified the critics. These critics were used to the Salon’s standards which included religious, historical, or mythological settings. The Impressionist paintings were none of these. Instead, the critics decided the subject matter was “vulgar” and “commonplace.” It wasn’t unusual to see people living their lives, muddy, dirty and unkempt. The paintings, themselves, looked incomplete due to visible and “expressive” brushwork. In contrast to traditional artists who spent weeks painting a subject, Impressionists often completed their paintings in one sitting. In addition, the paints were applied wet-on-wet. The Impressionists also used light and color to depict shadows. Pissarro is the only one of the group to exhibit at all eight Paris Impressionist exhibitions from 1874 to 1886.

Accolades…

Cézanne often referred to Pissarro as the “first Impressionist,” and in 1906 listed himself in an exhibition catalog as “Paul Cézanne, pupil of Pissarro.” Octave Mirbeau, a journalist and art critic considered Pissarro a revolutionary because he “revitalized working methods with which he has endowed painting.” John Rewald writes: “Rather than glorifying—consciously or not—the rugged existence of the peasants, he placed them without any ‘pose’ in their habitual surroundings, thus becoming an objective chronicler of one of the many facets of contemporary life.” Pissarro was a father figure not only to the Impressionists but to all four of the major Post-Impressionists, Cézanne, Seurat, Gauguin, and van Gogh.

World War II…

Unfortunately, many of Pissarro’s works were stolen by the Nazis during the second World War. Due to anti-Jewish laws, many Jewish owners of these and other priceless masterpieces were forced to sell or give up their collections. The Reichsleiter Rosenberg Taskforce, a special looting organization, seized Jewish property, especially art works. These works were either sold to finance the Nazi war effort, placed in Hitler’s personal collection, or just plain stolen by officials for personal gain. You can read more about Pissarro’s pieces here.

Wealth…

Surprisingly, Camille Pissarro sold very few of his paintings when he was alive. He never became a wealthy man. But, his paintings now sell for millions! On November 6, 2007, a group of four paintings, Les Quatre Saisons (the Four Seasons), sold for $14,601,000 at Christies in New York! In November, 2009, Le Pont Boieldieu et la Gare d’Orléans, Rouen, Soleil sold for $7,026,500 at Sotheby’s in New York. In February 2014, Le Boulevard de Montmartre, Matinée de Printemps, which is another version of our inspiration art work, sold for $32,094,392. It had originally been owned by the German industrialist and Holocaust victim Max Silberberg. The painting was sold at Sotheby’s in London and was nearly five times the previous record.

Finally…

In October, 1903, Pissarro came down with a bad cold. He then developed an abscess in his prostate which led to blood poisoning. When his homeopathic remedies didn’t work, it was already too late for surgery. Pissarro died on November 13, 1903 and is buried at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris.

About the art work…

Although it is not currently on display, the painting was purchased by the National Gallery in London in 1925 by the Courtauld Fund. The painting is oil on canvas and measures 20.98 x 25.5 in (53.3 × 64.8 cm). Pissarro finished this beautiful painting in 1897. Pissarro painted this particular street 14 times, but this is the only example of it at night He painted the boulevard in “snow, rain, fog, mist, and sunlight, and in the morning, afternoon, at sunset, and at night (source).”

“Pissarro was especially fascinated by the different types of artificial light, which are reflected on the wet pavements. The cool white of the newly installed electric street lamps along the centre of picture contrasts with the warm yellow gaslight of the shop windows and the oil-burning lamps of the cabs that line the street. The brushstrokes have an almost abstract gestural quality, as Pissarro applied the paint as a patchwork of dashes and daubs to suggest the passing crowds and traffic, and the city’s shimmering lights (source).”

My interpretation…

One of these days, I’m going to think before I pick things out, and that includes SIA, 10 on the 10th, and Songful Style! I love this painting, but I had absolutely nothing in my closet that would even begin to approach its splendor. But, overall, I rather like this outfit. I’m wearing a tunic I bought at J Jill for a trip to London. Now, this could have been for our 25th anniversary trip in 2001 or my retirement trip in 2012! I have no idea. Either way, it’s more than a decade old. I thought the swirls, paisley, and colors were on point for Impressionism. I then added a cute little sleeveless top I’d gotten from Gudrun Sjödén last summer. I really, really wanted to wear something navy, but jeans were the best I could find. These have appeared on the blog numerous times. All in all, I like this outfit even if it misses the mark for the art work.

The Lewk!

Expect to see this pair of Delight Slide Sandals by L’Artiste often! They are one of my favorite kinds of sandals…a wedge! Since my initial foot surgery in 2010, my middle three fingers on my left foot don’t grip very well. I often walk out of backless sandals and mules. But, wedges work well because, well, I guess because my foot is wedged in there! I needed some navy to go against my yellow top so I chose these two blue wooden bead necklaces from J Jill. The earrings are from my old eBay days of shopping!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

Whew! I hope you made it through all of this information. I just found Camille Pissarro so interesting! In fact, I was regaling Nigel with alll the facts I found. I cannot believe how many of his works were lost to the world because they were used as mats to wipe boots. So, can we talk? What did you think of the fact Pissarro painted this same spot 14 times? Can you imagine being “skyed” after creating something you felt was beautiful? What do you think about the pieces of art stolen by the Nazis? Should the people who bought them have to give them up? Please leave 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 EST Tuesday, May 7th. Photos of everyone participating will appear on my blog on Wednesday, May 8th! This gorgeous painting has lots of colors and textures as well as a theme to use as inspiration. Come on, give it a try!

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.

Special discount…

Starting now, you can get 25% off all orders over $50 with the code MOTHER at Halftee! I can’t believe we’re already talking Mother’s Day, can you?

Affiliate links, discount codes and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, 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). 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!

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