Sunday, October 22, 2017

IGNORING THE OBVIOUS AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT


THE PAINTING OF AN ORGY COVERS THE WHOLE CEILING OF THE ABONNÉS' SALON

Its most explicit scene strikes the eye on entering.



Yet:
 
  • The audio-guide comments minor elements of decoration (busts and small tapestries) and mentions neither subscribers nor ceiling.  


  • Guided tours say nothing. I've been in the salon a number of times with visitors and when a group arrives we've listened. The guide omits the ceiling and clients do not ask.

Web site comments show only one visitor's surprise at such decor in one of high culture's great achievements.


Harald Wolff

The Opéra performs the exploit
of turning profit-seeking and pedophilia into grandeur — 
and (most of) the public,
 that of ignoring it.

# # #

Next,





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