Summary
De Leiris, A. "Spanish Painting
and French Romantics" Art Bulletin.
vol. 56 (September1974) ; ppg. 457-459.
ART 705 AR7397 (oversize)
Summary by Agatha Feltus
The majority of this article dealt
with a review of this book, with
a few extra facts added for illustration.
Most of the book consists of a history
of the influence on French literature
of the early- to mid-19th century
by Spanish artists, such as Goya
and VİlÖsquez. Stendahl, Musset,
Hugo, Mİrimİe, Gautier, and Dumas-pÜre
all show the vogue for things Spanish
in their work. There was also a
considerable influence on Delacroix,
who developed the technique of combining
the firm contours of Michelangelo
with the velvety and luminous modeling
of VİlÖsquez. Many of Hugo's works
were illustrated in the style of
Goya to suit the melodramatic stories
with scenes of demons, witches, etc.
Motifs from already known Spanish
literature were made more precise
with the introduction of Spanish
art, after Napoleon's conquest of
Spain in 1808. Before this, the
French were very ignorant of Spanish
art, preferring, instead Italian
art. The article goes on to show
some specific examples of the influence
of Spanish style on French Romantic
art; including the development of
contrasts within single paintings
taken out of context, for effect,
and in confirmation of their own
aesthetics. There was also a new,
and profound humanity revealed in
the images and technique.
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Jesse D. Hurlbut--Last Updated November 9 ,1993