Hi!
Recently I was reminded of this quote by 19th Century Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich:
"A picture must not be invented but felt."
Today I'll share a painting from Jean-Léon Gérôme — "L'Eminence Grise" (The Grey Eminence) — that definitely does just that for me.
-----------------------------------------
According to Wikipedia: Gérôme (1824 – 1904) was a French painter and sculptor in the style now known as academicism.
The range of his [works] included historical painting, Greek mythology, Orientalism, portraits, and other subjects, bringing the academic painting tradition to an artistic climax.
He is considered one of the most important painters from this academic period. He was also a teacher with a long list of students.
-----------------------------------------
There is a lovely realism to the figures and environments that populate his pieces — but many of his paintings also "tell a story" — while often stirring impassioned feelings from art lovers throughout the years.
"The Grey Eminence" is certainly in that category.
Masterfully painted and composed - this image creates a stark contrast between the elegantly dressed gentlemen — all either ascending up an elegant staircase in an opulent setting — or gazing directly at the lone priest to the right — revealing a reverence and respect for him as he descends the stairs — seemingly oblivious to everything and everyone except his Bible.
-----------------------------------------
Rather than trying to convey what this painting means to me — I'll let you draw your own conclusions about it.
But I'll give just a hint: I don't think this priest is completely worthy of their utter reverence....
Whether you agree or not I hope you'll enjoy looking at this amazing painting.
You'll find the entire image — along with some cropped "details" from it below.
* Please see the additional note about this painting below
-----------------------------------------
Click on the first two images to see the larger views
 |
| Jean-Léon Gérôme - L'Eminence Grise - 1873 |
 |
| Detail — Color and pageantry of the men to the left |
 |
| Detail of the priest to the right - This image is posted at its full resolution |
 |
| Detail of the colorfully dressed guard to the left - Also looking directly at the priest — This image is posted at its full resolution — |
* Note (11-8-18): I did a little research about this painting. It turns out that Gérôme intended this painting to represent a historical figure.
The priest is none other than "François Leclerc du Tremblay (1577 – 1638), also known as Père Joseph, who was a French Capuchin friar.
He was the original éminence grise — the French term ("grey eminence") — for a powerful advisor or decision-maker who operates secretly or unofficially.
(Leclerc is referred to in Alexandre Dumas' The Three Musketeers as the character Father Joseph, a powerful associate of Richelieu and one to be feared.)
He became a WAR MINISTER, and, though maintaining a personal austerity of life, gave himself up to diplomacy and politics."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89minence_grise
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_Leclerc_du_Tremblay
So it seems this was no ordinary "humble" priest descending the stairs — was a powerful man — pulling strings behind the scenes in government.
-------------------------------------------
I hope you appreciate this awesome painting as much as I do.
Thanks for stopping by!
See you again soon!
