log in
Enter site
Login to use Arthive functionality to the maximum
Woman catching a flea
Georges de La Tour • Painting, 1638, 120×90 cm
Description of the artwork «Woman catching a flea»
Woman Catching a Flea, that is on view at the Historical Museum of Nancy (the administrative center of Lorraine, the homeland of Latour), was discovered and attributed relatively recently and it immediately caused a discussion. The dispute related primarily to the subject matter: what is the half-naked unattractive woman busy with? And how should one understand the meaning of this unexpected and shocking subject?
Some scholars claimed that the woman holds her prayer beads, with her chin against the chest. This interpretation added religious meaning to the painting. However, the majority agreed that a woman focused on something more prosaic, although very usual for the time when Latour lived – she was trying to crush the caught insect with her fingers.
Although, the most surprising thing here is not a flea. In French painting of that period such subjects have been avoided, but they could be found in Flemish painting, which Latour was familiar with. Similar subjects were not uncommon in the 17th century Spanish art: one may recall The Lousy or Toilet by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. What is really surprisingly is that Woman Catching a Flea is the only known Latour’s nude painting. However, it is possible that other nude works of the arts have been lost. They could have burned in the great fire of Luneville or simply got lost. But the question still remains, why is this, in fact, everyday scene produces such a gloomy impression? After all, we can definitely say: all the expressive means here are aimed at creating an oppressive atmosphere. And the first immediate reaction to the painting is anything but disgust and a desire to move away from what is happening.
We can see gloomy atmosphere, which is typical of Latour, his pseudo-caravaggesque contrasting light and shade. We can see Latour’s favorite cinnabar-red accent and a burning candle. But there is not a hint to the brilliance and emotional openness of Caravaggio. On the contrary, the woman is locked as a "thing in itself". She immersed in her unpleasant activity, and her face expresses nothing. It shows almost autistic emotional detachment. This amazes and baffles: what does Latour want to tell us?
Like most Latour’s subject, the woman who is catching a flea has a large body, round belly and heavy feet. Her nudity does not inspire any thoughts about the vice, and it neither awakens the sense of beauty.
Maybe, this unattractive body is the parable of the inescapable human loneliness. Perhaps, Latour’s aim is once and for all to get rid the viewer of his starry-eyed illusions? In any case, the debate about the meaning of the Woman Catching a Flea painting will not cease soon.
Written by Anna Vcherashniaya
Some scholars claimed that the woman holds her prayer beads, with her chin against the chest. This interpretation added religious meaning to the painting. However, the majority agreed that a woman focused on something more prosaic, although very usual for the time when Latour lived – she was trying to crush the caught insect with her fingers.
Although, the most surprising thing here is not a flea. In French painting of that period such subjects have been avoided, but they could be found in Flemish painting, which Latour was familiar with. Similar subjects were not uncommon in the 17th century Spanish art: one may recall The Lousy or Toilet by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. What is really surprisingly is that Woman Catching a Flea is the only known Latour’s nude painting. However, it is possible that other nude works of the arts have been lost. They could have burned in the great fire of Luneville or simply got lost. But the question still remains, why is this, in fact, everyday scene produces such a gloomy impression? After all, we can definitely say: all the expressive means here are aimed at creating an oppressive atmosphere. And the first immediate reaction to the painting is anything but disgust and a desire to move away from what is happening.
We can see gloomy atmosphere, which is typical of Latour, his pseudo-caravaggesque contrasting light and shade. We can see Latour’s favorite cinnabar-red accent and a burning candle. But there is not a hint to the brilliance and emotional openness of Caravaggio. On the contrary, the woman is locked as a "thing in itself". She immersed in her unpleasant activity, and her face expresses nothing. It shows almost autistic emotional detachment. This amazes and baffles: what does Latour want to tell us?
Like most Latour’s subject, the woman who is catching a flea has a large body, round belly and heavy feet. Her nudity does not inspire any thoughts about the vice, and it neither awakens the sense of beauty.
Maybe, this unattractive body is the parable of the inescapable human loneliness. Perhaps, Latour’s aim is once and for all to get rid the viewer of his starry-eyed illusions? In any case, the debate about the meaning of the Woman Catching a Flea painting will not cease soon.
Written by Anna Vcherashniaya
