Title: "The Bearded Lady"
Media: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: h: 117 w: 81 cm
Province: Is in the Foyer of Castel in Paris, France.
Date:1932
Artist Biography: Helene Detroyat is an artist famous for her oil painting technique. She lived from 1889-1951. Many of her works have been sold at auctions. The bearded woman holding an ostrich feather is one of her more famous works. Helene had an eye for detail, and a way to make colors stand out.
Statements: "The oil work is amazing, the amount of detail, especially on the face is exquisite. For something that should be masculine, this artist is able to make this woman appear elegant and pretty." -Cinthia Gomez (Art History Major)
Background Information: Detroyat was notorious for her paintings in Castel, France, better known as her home. Her paintings hung on the walls of many cool and exclusive clubs. One of these clubs founded in the 60s, was actually Detroyat's home. Between all the glits and the glam in this particular club, this painting added to the atmosphere. Thus making the Castel club the hot topic of the time, and well known in all of Paris.
Analysis: The Bearded lady represents the daring and charismatic women of the roaring 20s. With her flapper style appearance, Detroyat is an expert at detail. Detroyat focuses deeply on the shading on the walls, and the texture of the tile, skirt, and feather, to the realistic look of the chair and the bearded lady's face. Each stroke in the beard is delicately placed, while the feather and skirt show movement from the shading. The pop of color in the shoes and the feather also bring this painting life. This portrait of the bearded lady tells a story. This woman's come hither look tells there is more to this woman than meets the eye.
Theme Connection: This work fits into the circus theme because it is representing a bearded woman. Even though this bearded woman is more beautiful than the regular seen at the circus, she still is able to bring a circus like essence. With her temptress stare and bigger than life ostrich feathers, this bearded lady could turn every head; she could be the main attraction at the circus.
Why we picked this piece: The reason for choosing this piece to be a part of the gallery is simple. It is beautiful and intriguing to look at. This painting embodies the circus even if it's simplistic. When you look at her, you see the circus and you immediately want to go.
By: Lauren Larkins
Why we picked this piece: The reason for choosing this piece to be a part of the gallery is simple. It is beautiful and intriguing to look at. This painting embodies the circus even if it's simplistic. When you look at her, you see the circus and you immediately want to go.
By: Lauren Larkins
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