Rémy Cogghe, originally spelled Rémi Coghe (1854-1935) was a Belgian artist who lived most of his life in France and became famous for his genre paintings in the style of realism, showing the life and manners of French society in the early 20th century. In some ways his work is similar to the paintings of our Itinerant painters, only Coghe did not aim to show the suffering of "the humiliated and oppressed", but to reflect the ordinary life that he saw himself, speaking from the position of an impassive observer. His genre scenes are a kind of "domestic portrait of the era", allowing a better understanding of how people lived at that time. Coghe often depicted the "lower classes" and their simple entertainments in their free time from hours of labor.
Cockfights
And sincerely sympathized with them, because he himself came from a poor family - his father worked as a shoemaker, and the opportunity to become an artist and finally break into the people in many ways was the result of a happy coincidence of circumstances and extraordinary talent Coghe.
A prank
Remi was born in the Belgian town of Mouscron, and when he was 13 years old, his parents moved to France in search of a better life. But unlike the simple street tomboys, Remi could still draw well, gave in this case certain hopes that noticed the industrialist Pierre Cateau. He himself was fond of painting, and therefore was ready to pay for Remi's studies at the Academy of Painting Roubaix, in the hope of giving the world a new talented artist.
Confession
And in 1876, the 22-year-old Coghe went to Paris and enrolled in the courses of the academician Alexandre Cabanel. Hence his academically rigorous and impeccable drawing, and his commitment to realism at a time when it already seemed hopelessly outdated.
Carnival at the Hotel Ferraille
After his studies he traveled around Europe, lived in Rome, Madrid and Barcelona, studying the work of the old masters, and then returned to France, where he painted portraits to order and genre scenes. The money he received was enough to build a large house with a luxurious studio designed by architect Paul Destombe. It was there that he created most of his artistic legacy.
At Madame's Guest
One of Coghe's most notable paintings is Madame's Guest. A noble gentleman has come to visit a wealthy madam, as is clearly indicated by the cylinder, cane and gloves lying on the chair. Such an event could not leave indifferent her maid and a young handyman, who are not too shy to peep through the keyhole. So the classicist was right when he wrote that masters should not be mistaken about their servants, and usually the servants know everything about the private life of their masters. One could be sure that the whole local court would know about the man's visit, through them the rumors would reach the "decent society", and everything secret would be revealed.
Customs inspection
Another picture "Customs Inspection" is outrageous at first glance. Why did a gentleman in uniform, without shyness, start groping a young woman in the street. She may be of simple origin, but she does not look like a "priestess of love", and such actions do not give her any pleasure. However, the name explains everything: the woman simply passes through the border, perhaps she has relatives living abroad, or she works in a neighboring country where they pay more, or at least there is a place. But, as in many border regions, every day she has to go through the humiliating procedure of being inspected for contraband. And it seems that the customs officer is not unpleasant at least, he will show service zeal, feeling not only the folds of the skirt, but also get to the stockings and garter. Nothing personal, just service.
Nude goddesses in the paintings of academician Alexandre Cabanel. When beauty decides everything
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