The fourth ‘basic plot’ is the story of voyage and return, for which we turn to Ovid’s account of this couple, and a dozen superb paintings. But does the model fit?
Regnault
The Prix de Rome changed in the 19th century. Its subjects became more obscure, and its successes few and far between.
Known from her wedding, which led to the Trojan War, and for being the mother of the Greek warrior Achilles, she is well-known in paintings.
The king of Cyprus whose ivory sculpture turned into his future wife, painted by Regnault and Burne-Jones, and Gérôme’s fascinating paintings of his painted figures. And turning painting into sculpture.
His two paintings of Salome shown at the 1876 Salon are dominated if not overwhelmed by their symbols. They are the watershed in his art.
From a pen and ink drawing, to fine sketches in chalk, then into oil paint on canvas, next modelled by a sculptor in clay, and finally into a bronze bas relief.
From being staffage in landscapes, shepherds and their flocks became motifs in their own right, with the social realist of Millet, even Henri Regnault.
The teacher of Caillebotte, Eakins, Munch, John Singer Sargent, Toulouse-Lautrec and many other artists. But almost forgotten himself.
Increasingly popular during the 19th century, the Alhambra was painted by von Lenbach, Regnault, Childe Hassam, Australian Tom Roberts, and others.
Time for a long weekend in the warmth of Granada, Spain. Here’s some history of the palaces of the Alhambra in paintings by Regnault and others.
The Eclectic Light Company 