Jared French (American, 1905-1987). Interpretation of: Petronius Scene of the Golden Ass, 1932. Tempera on paper. 7-3/4 ...

Description

Jared French (American, 1905-1987)
Interpretation of: Petronius Scene of the Golden Ass, 1932
Tempera on paper
7-3/4 x 15 inches (19.7 x 38.1 cm) (sheet)
Signed lower right: Jared French

PROVENANCE:
The artist;
Paul Cadmus;
Jon Anderson, the artist's model and muse, acquired from the above;
[With]DC Moore New York;
Acquired by the present owner from the above.

Jared French was an American painter known for his meticulous application of the tempera medium and his significant contributions to the Magic Realism movement. Within this genre, French carved a niche with his nuanced, dreamlike compositions that intertwine reality with elements of the fantastic. His painting, Interpretation of: Petronius Scene of the Golden Ass from 1932, is a powerful example of this synthesis, drawing on the rich, satirical narrative of Apuleius's "The Golden Ass" and the Roman Petronius's "Satyricon" to explore themes of transformation and folly in a contemporary light.

In 1931, Jared French and Paul Cadmus embarked on a formative journey to Europe, where they immersed themselves in the study of classical art, drawing inspiration from illustrious Old Masters such as Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, and Rubens. Their travels led them through France and Spain, exploring the regions by bicycle. Eventually, the duo settled in Puerto de Andraitx, a quaint fishing village on the Spanish island of Mallorca. This serene setting, far from the hustle and commercial bustle of New York, provided a peaceful backdrop where they could live and create art with ease. They remained there until 1933, when financial constraints and the expiration of their passports necessitated their return to the United States. It was during this period in Spain that the present work was crafted, bearing distinct influences of the Old Masters that French had studied during his travels with Cadmus.

The detailed execution of the figures in the painting is reminiscent of the studied precision characteristic of Renaissance works, while the mysteriously charged and muscular interplay among them has strong debts to Mannerist painting, which introduces an otherworldly dimension. French's scenes are rooted in classical storytelling but are transformed by his personal vision and the context of 20th-century sensibilities. These figures are not anonymous characters but were often French's friends, recurring as models in his work and bringing a personal resonance to his artistic narrative. This practice endowed his paintings with a subtle authenticity, juxtaposing the familiar with the fantastical.

One notable figure in this work is French's close friend and fellow artist Paul Cadmus, depicted holding a ribbon. Cadmus's appearance is not merely a cameo; it symbolizes the deep personal connections and shared creative energies that animated the world of these artists, particularly on their shared European sojourn. The friendships and professional collaborations within their circle are manifest in the continuity of themes and the exchange of ideas that they each explored in their work. French, Cadmus, and others formed a cadre known as "PAJAMA," their combined initials, which underscored the intimacy of their artistic and personal bonds.

In Interpretation of: Petronius Scene of the Golden Ass, the nuanced homoerotic undertones are woven into the tableau with a sensitivity that was quite progressive for its time. The physical beauty and intimate dynamics among the male figures reflect French's exploration of homosexual aesthetics and identity. Such themes, presented through a lens of classical antiquity, allowed French to navigate subjects that mainstream society often regarded as taboo, imbuing his work with layers of meaning and a quiet but poignant defiance.

The original Petronius and Apuleius stories delve into themes of power, transformation, and the human condition. French's interpretation serves as a contemporary commentary on these timeless narratives, suggesting their enduring relevance and the cyclical nature of human experiences. The interaction of light and shadow, the precise anatomy of the figures, and the ambiguous narratives within the composition all contribute to the mystical and enigmatic quality that defines Magic Realism.

Through his art, French invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of existence and the intricate web of human desires. His contribution to the Magic Realism movement and his reimagining of classical themes have established a legacy of bridging historical narratives with contemporary expression. His visual language, populated by the familiar faces of his companions, acts as a thread connecting various stories, creating a tapestry that merges the personal with the mythic. In this, French's paintings become a unique visual diary, capturing not just the spirit of an era but the timeless essence of transformation and identity.


More information about Jared French. See also: French, Jared Artist.



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