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.  

•  A touristic article overlooks the salon itself. 

• 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 of such decor in what is said to be 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.

 

 

End of this section.

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Next section,

II.7.4. 
From nymphs to Nazis — 
how the Opéra girls saved the City of Love