Paintings of Prostitutes by Degas & Toulouse-Lautrec：A Comparative Study

• Main Authors: Ju Hsi Lin, 林如熙
• Other Authors: Charng Jiunn Lee
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2001
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/95501346770616806077

碩士 === 國立彰化師範大學 === 藝術教育研究所 === 89 === The role of prostitutes is often despised or regarded as lower-class. However, during the 19th century, France didn''t look down on this particular line of work. At that time, the landscape of Paris had been renewed due to the reconstruction plan; gradually, it became an influential metropolitan city in Europe. Prostitution prospered along with the urban entertainment business. The form of the culture of prostitution stimulated the inspiration of creativity, changing the contemporary literature and painting subject matter and replacing the classic tradition. The purpose of this thesis is to compare the paintings of prostitutes by Degas and Toulouse-Lautrec by examining the social background of that certain time frame. It also tries to seek both painters'' motives, purposes, techniques, and contribution for the modern art. This comparison is mainly based on their educational backgrounds, the process of learning, and the influence of Japanese art and photographic technology on them. Furthermore, the psychoanalysis of both personalities added to this research. It is said that Degas had misogyny, and Toulouse-Lautrec carried special interests in red hair. Degas''s mother died when he was only thirteen years old, resulting in him suffering from instinctive libido impetuous, a form of depression. Degas developed a reaction-formation personality in the real world. He showed strong hostility toward women. Toulouse- Lautrec had erythrophobia. In spite of the fear of the red color, he fought his instinct of survival against death. That''s the reason he liked the color of red. The pursue of authenticity, which was found in their works, was owing to the correspondence with the naturalism and the essence of contemporaneity. This phenomenon had an effect on the development of both painting styles. The related roles in their works could be categorized into 3 topics. These topics revealed contemporary social lives, the related literature, the true image of prostitution, and the humane interpretation of the paintings. Although these topics were very common, they displayed a challenge to the traditional values. To analyze their works by composition and media, the research finds that Degas''s sensationalism came from profound observation and rich imagination. Conversely, Toulouse-Lautrec transformed the real characters into painting vividly. He also gave new meaning to lithograph, and opened a new era for mechanical reproduction. Finally, these paintings of prostitutes have passed the test of time. We can say these works not only transformed low-art into high-art, but they established the relishing criticism on art. Both painters empowered the symbolic and ironic meaning to their works. As a result, they helped exert the pure appreciation of beauty, and the moral and educational responsibilities in the society.