Writer 1879: Solitary Journey in France

Chapter 338 Two Paintings of "Thunderstorm"! (Bonus Chapter for 20,000 Votes in September)

On the morning of April 12, 1881, as usual, newsboys, carrying bulging cloth bags, roamed the streets and alleys.

They used their clear, melodious voices to announce the day's news, waking up the entire city of Paris.

However, today, readers of Le Figaro, Le Petit Parisien, and Le Monde are captivated by a beautiful illustration that takes up most of the page.

That was the work of Gustave Doré.

This renowned illustrator, already famous throughout Europe, has poured his talent into a theatrical poster.

The scene depicts a luxurious living room with carved furniture, velvet curtains, and a wall covered with portrait paintings...

However, what draws everyone's attention is the couple frozen in the intense flash of light in the center of the picture.

The man leaned back slightly, his face contorted with shock, anger, and panic, all vividly illuminated by the ghastly white lightning bolt that tore through the night sky outside the window.

The woman opposite him was simply dressed, her face also illuminated by the electric light, displaying a complex mix of immense pain, shock, and despair.

Their eyes met in a flash, as if an invisible force was about to erupt.

In the shadows deep within the living room, Doré also used delicate brushstrokes to outline several blurry human figures.

One young figure seemed to cower in fear, while another hid behind a pillar.

The entire scene is filled with breathtaking dramatic tension, as if you can hear the thunder booming in your ears and feel the surging emotions in the characters' hearts.

“My God, this is…” exclaimed a gentleman having breakfast in a café.

He adjusted his monocle and almost pressed his face against the newspaper.

His female companion pointed to the signature below the illustration and exclaimed, "Look! It was drawn by Gustave Doré!"

It's not just them—in company offices, in quiet university libraries, in rest areas of government buildings…

The painting, along with the accompanying text, sparked even more whispers.

Presented by the Comédie-Française

Lionel Sorel's latest masterpiece

"thunderstorm"

The premiere took place at 8 p.m. on May 5, 1881, on Rue Richelieu.
Brand new stage technology delivers a soul-stirring audio-visual feast.

"Thunderstorm? This is Sorel's new play?"

"Mr. Doré's painting...which scene does this depict?"

Who are this man and woman? What happened between them?

"Look at the light! Look at that expression! It's like they were really illuminated by lightning!"

"It's going to start in early May? I heard the comedy theater completely dismantled and rebuilt the stage for this play, and even installed electric lights!"

"For safety reasons, given the Nice situation... But this poster is really eye-catching."

Curiosity spread like wildfire in Paris.

People speculated about the plot of the scene, debated the relationships between the characters, and were both puzzled and expectant about the so-called "brand new audiovisual experience".

Gustave Doré's illustration is considered a masterpiece by many art lovers.

Many people carefully cut out the entire illustration and tucked it into their notebooks as a keepsake.

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That afternoon, Dean Émile Perrin slammed a copy of Le Figaro onto Lionel's desk during his visit.

His finger tapped heavily on Doré's illustration, his round face beaming with undisguised smugness.

Emil Perrin's voice trembled with excitement: "Look! Lionel, look! This is Dorre! This is the power of a master!"

All of Paris is talking about this painting, about our "Thunderstorm"! Long queues have formed at the ticket windows! I bet all the tickets will be sold out before the premiere!

He leaned closer and lowered his voice: "Do you remember our bet? I know Mr. Gauguin is a young man you have high hopes for, and Cézanne has also praised him..."

But against a master like Dorei, I'm afraid... um? You're doomed, my dear friend!

Lionel's gaze swept over the exquisite illustration in the newspaper.

Dore perfectly recreated the stage scene of the moment the lightning struck on the day of the test, and even enhanced the dramatic effect of the characters' faces.

He looked up at the smug Perrin, his face showing no sign of defeat, only a faint smile.

His tone was calm: "Don't rush, Emil. The bet isn't over yet. Mr. Doré's work is certainly excellent, but let's wait and see."

It's only one hundred francs, don't worry.

Dean Emil Perrin paused for a moment, then waved his hand, assuming it was just Lionel's stubborn refusal to admit defeat: "Alright, alright, I understand."

Let's wait and see! However, I must say, the current situation is very favorable to me!

He hummed a light opera tune and turned to leave the office.

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Five days passed quietly amidst the Parisians' anticipation and speculation about "Thunderstorm".

On April 17, the sixth Impressionist exhibition officially opened at 35 Via Capisina, in photographer Nadar's studio.

Although this group of painters is still not accepted by academics and conservative critics, they have become popular with the general public after their previous exhibitions.

After all, not everyone has the money to buy those elaborate and intricate "grand gestures" from the academic school.

Familiar names such as Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Sisley did not appear in this exhibition.

Exhibitors included Marie Cassatt, Edgar Degas, Berthe Morisot, Camille Pissarro, and Paul Gauguin.

On the opening day of the exhibition, there was a constant stream of visitors.

Art lovers, critics, curious citizens, and gentlemen and ladies filled the exhibition hall.

The air was filled with the mixed smells of paint, perfume, and cigar smoke.

Soon, the commotion in the central area of ​​the exhibition hall attracted the attention of more and more people.

There is a new work by Edgar Degas on display there—a wax sculpture entitled "The Little Dancer at Fourteen".

The sculpture is placed in a glass case, and the little dancer is wearing a realistic tulle skirt and has ribbons tied in her hair.

However, her demeanor confused and even made many viewers uncomfortable.

Arms stretched out excessively behind, chin held too high, and stance stiff and awkward...

"What... what kind of position is this?" A gentleman frowned.

“God, she looks like…like a deformed child!” A woman covered her face with a fan.

"Mr. Degas, are you mistaken? Shouldn't ballet dancers be elegant and beautiful?"

"This is what they call 'authenticity'? I can't appreciate it."

Conflicting and critical voices echoed softly among the crowd.

However, not far from "The Little Dancer at Fourteen", another work attracted an ever-growing crowd.

They expressed almost unanimous admiration.

That's a work by Paul Gauguin, and the title is very simple:
"thunderstorm".

(That concludes today's 4 chapters. I dare not ask for votes anymore. "Historical debts never disappear out of thin air; their interest only continues to accumulate.")
(End of this chapter)