July 08, 2022
Today, Monsieur Perrin and I went to see the Boldini exhibit at Le Petit Palais. It was a cool
and windy day, but we ventured out and so glad we did…this artist blew my gloves off.
Boldini was an Italian painter from Ferrara who lived and worked in Paris during the late
19th century and became a highly sought after portraitist for those in high society.
What a feast for our eyes seeing such emphasis on elegant hands, often gloved. The subtle movement of pulling a glove on, holding a cane. How civilised they were then! I found myself wishing I could go back in time, live during this era… have my portrait painted by Boldini.
Bolini’s subjects appear moreanimated than other great portraitists’. There’s an airy and ethereal quality about them that drawers the viewer in. They are often seated on the same Louis XV painted bench with silk cushion-a very simple yet elegant backdrop.
Mr Perrin eyeing the pretty ladies. I’ve always told him it doesnt matter where you get your appetite so long as you come home for dinner!
The garden at Le Petit Palais is so lovely. The palm trees and pastel fer forg
é tables and chairs atop dune colored gravel conjure up a scene from a 1920’s film. I can imagine Boldini’s ladies sipping chartreuse and fanning themselves here on a warm summer evening. I couldn’t help but place my Perrin panier atop one of the chairs as I am always drawn to interesting juxtaposition!