IGNORING THE OBVIOUS AND GETTING AWAY WITH IT

THE PAINTING OF AN ORGY COVERS THE WHOLE CEILING OF THE SUBSCRIBERS' 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. When I'm in the salon with visitors and a group arrives, we listen as the guide omits the ceiling and clients do not ask.*

Web site comments show only one visitor's surprise at that crown of 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.

 *     *     * 

Next section and the blook's last,

V.2. 
From nymphs to Nazis — 
how the Opéra girls saved the City of Love