Jean-Léon Gérôme at the Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay contains some of the finest French works of art from 1848 to 1914. This was a time of incredible invention, with the Impressionists and post-Impressionists charging forward on a mission to revolutionize art forever. But while those voices are the ones we remember mostwhen we look back now, they were not the only game in town.
In fact, the art world was dominated at the time by titans of the traditional Academic style. And none of these was more imposing, accomplished, and witheringly critical of the new generation as Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Let’s look at the tremendous works the Orsay Museum has of this often overlooked but masterful defender of a style now lost to time.
Who is Jean-Léon Gérôme?
Gérôme (1824 to 1904) was a painter and sculptor working in the style of academicism — which strictly adhered to the standards set forward by the Académie des Beaux-Arts in France. Other major French artists in this field were William-Adolphe Bouguereau and Alexandre Cabanel.
[Note: If you’d like to see these notable Academic painters at the Orsay, check out Bouguereau’s Dante and Virgil (1850) and Cabanel’s The Birth of Venus (1863), among other painters of theirs in the permanent collection.]
Gérôme achieved great success, likely the most famous living artist at the height of his career in the late 19th century. That’s right — though he is not nearly as well known today, he was far more popular than Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, or Paul Cézanne during his own era.
His favorite subject matter vacillated widely, with particular achievements in:
● Orientalism
● Classical World
● Mythology
● Historical Painting
● Allegory
This kept in line with expectations from the Academy, and for that reason, he was well-regarded by the institution. He even went on to teach there, becoming an important educator with thousands of notable students.
He is best remembered today for his vociferous attacks on Impressionism. In an interview with the journal L’Éclair, he said in regards to the new movement:
He lost the fight. And the Impressionists were not only allowed to share the spotlight with the likes of Gérôme, they would go on to surpass him in the history of art. But despite this failure, when we take the time to return to his work, we find paintings and sculptures that call out to be remembered.
Often, Gérôme’s art expresses a view of the world we would like to criticize. Often, he prefers strict adherence to rules over the free rein of artistic license. But his pieces are always moving, profound, and undeniably the work of a master.
Works of Art by Jean-Léon Gérôme at the Orsay
Jerusalem (1867)
Biblical scenes were in the top strata for the Academic style. These brought the most prestige, being worthy of whatever greatness you could bring to the canvas. And here, what might be the most important moment in the Bible is depicted in a shocking way. Here we do not see the crucifixion of Christ but the moments after. In fact, we only know the scene because of the shadows that Jesus and the two thieves cast from their painful perches upon the three crosses on Calvary.
Dark storm clouds stir over the city of Jerusalem in the distance, with the crowd of onlookers heading home after the grisly events of the day. This is typical for Gérôme, avoiding as it does direct violence and instead giving us the moment following. It is a grand way to encapsulate the entire drama, which he evokes with his precision and grandeur, not needing mere action to get his point across.
Corinth (before 1903)
Made out of polychrome plaster, this sculpture comes from Gérôme’s endless fascination with the Classical world. This woman is said to personify Corinth — a historically important city sitting where mainland Greece met the Peloponnese. In this way, this work that came at the end of his career circles back to his first major success in sculpture Tanagra (1890), which can also be visited at the Musée d'Orsay.
The sculpture summarizes the core of Gérôme’s approach to sculpture. It uses polychromy (having many colors on its surface), pursues realism, and brings us back to ancient Greece. Believe it or not, this work was a bit of a scandal. While Corinth was said to be where sculpture and painting were born, it was also famously the place for sacred prostitutes (hierodules). Hence the inscription found at the bottom of the sculpture: NON LICET OMNIBUS / ADIRE CORINTHUM (Not everybody can go to Corinth).
Two Italian Peasant Women and a Child (1849)
This taste of realism gives us a sense of how much Gérôme can do with simple subject matter. He structures this painting around three characters: a child, presumably the child’s mother, and what looks to be the child’s grandmother. Three generations, three chapters in life, three perspectives with which to see the world.
With characteristic precision, he renders the characters in immaculate detail. You can see the bright Mediterranean sun beaming off of their clothing and casting a hard shadow underneath the basket. Behind them, a trail in darkness leads up to new heights, though these three appear to be descending toward us. This use of space gives us a narrative, the hint of a story that brings us into the world. It also expands the symbolism, as we understand this to be the pathway through life — from that mysterious world before birth and the even more mysterious world that comes after death.
Rediscover Jean-Léon Gérôme at the Orsay
Among the many masters of the Orsay Museum, Gérôme is one of the very best. Despite his many triumphs in the studio, he picked the losing side of a historical battle that ended up diminishing his reputation in the long run.
Nevertheless, his work is astonishing. The power contained in his paintings and sculpture overwhelm us, no matter the misguided thoughts or feelings going on in the artist himself. We are lucky that the Impressionists were able to influence later generations, but we are also lucky for Gérôme and his magnificent talent.
Hire a professional guide
If you can, go visit Gérôme at the Orsay Museum. It is art well worth remembering.
And, if possible, hire a licensed professional tour guide to enjoy your visit to the fullest.