Friday, September 12, 2014
Baudelaire and Constantin Guys
Go to The Art Institute of Chicago's website on Constantin Guys (in "The Painter of Modern Life" Baudelaire calls Constantin Guys by the name "Monsieur G.") spend a few minutes browsing his artwork, then describe the reasons that Baudelaire admired him so much. Looking at the paintings in detail, describe (specifically) how they do or do not resemble Poe's "The Man of the Crowd" piece. Then, take a stab at figuring out why "the man of the crowd," or the flaneur, is an important artistic response to the urban-industrial experience of the mid 1800's.
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Baudelaire admired "Monsieur G's" artwork, because he thinks it is clear-cut and self-sufficing. He admired that "Monsieur G" did not bother to look for the approval of his generation. He admires him because he easily would mix into the crown and being incognito. He respects his modesty with his paintings. Monsieur G has learned to teach himself how to become a powerful master or his art.
ReplyDeleteBaudelaire also likes Monsieur G's Art, because he was a whole man who understood the world and the mysterious and legitimate reasons behind all it's customs.
DeleteHis paintings are similar to Edgar Allen Po's 'Man of the crowd,' because it was about sitting in a cafe and enjoying the sight of the passing crowd, and identifying h improv in hookup both sigh all the thoughts that are Ono ing around him. He was delighted from the crowd, just as Monsieur G is when he puts himself out there to observe and paint. They both want to remember everything and are curious by this large rush of people.
Delete'The man of the crowd' is an important urban/industrial response because it accurately describes and paints the scene of the industrial era. The mention of the overcrowdedness, the bright lamps, the continuously dense tides of people. He even goes so far to describe their satisfied business-like demeanor and their need to rush and even the 'airs' they put on.
DeleteI think that the art does not resemble the "Man in the Crowd", because they show small snippets of the upperclass life, but Poe's piece was more focused on the variety of activities and areas of the city. I think that Baudelaire admired him because he showed parts of life that were more upper class in nature, but with hints of those that may not be as fortunate, such as the cavalry or ballet dancers.I think that the pieces didn't always reflect the ideas of the city, such as the cavalry.
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