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Édouard Bisson

Occasionally one, even the most pretentious of art appreciators, wants to just revel in something pretty. That's how I feel with Édouard Bisson's (1856–1939) work. It's pure romanticism celebrating captivating female beauty in a fin de siècle aesthetic. Women emerge from these soft magical surroundings, as their billowing gowns defy gravity. Nymphs are greeted by reoccurring putti. Even the portraits grounded in a more "realistic" (and I use this term loosely) setting. Tropical or softly-blended backgrounds are transplanted behind these sitters, their dresses caught as if in a breeze. These scenes are transportantional in their touch of magic.

Bisson studied under Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904). One can recognise the traits he developed under his tutelage, such as the aspect of the less-than-accurate representation of reality dominant in the Orientalism movement.

Specializing in figurative genre painting, and some mythological scenes, Bisson held a successful career. He become a member of the Salon and received numerous awards and critical acclaim over the years.

Vivien Leigh as Titania in A Midsummer

Night's Dream, The Old Vic, 1937 (colorized)

The 1937 Christmas production was directed by

Tyrone Guthrie, with sets and costumes by Oliver Messel. Shakespeare's play was presented as an affectionate Victorian pastiche, and included large choruses of muslin-clad fairies flying in on wires.

Mendelssohn's famous incidental music was much in evidence, with choreography by Ninette de Valois. Vivien Leigh's Oberon was played by

Robert Helpmann, Ralph Richardson played

Bottom, and Gordon Miller, Puck.

Christian Dior Fall 2022/23 Couture

"When the solution is simple, God is answering." ~ Albert Einstein