Friday 11th December - Girl with Muff

Here we are at the end of another week!  Goodness, how the muffs are flying as we gallop through Muffvent!  Here's today's fluffy offering...

Girl with Muff Gaston Casimir Saint-Pierre

I wish I knew more about Gaston Casimir Sait-Pierre (1833-1916) because this is such a charming image. The effect of the fur along the edge of the coat and on the cuff is then exploded in the muff, all fluffy and warm.  The rest of the composition is quite plain, the coat a flat blue, the background a simple russet, drawing the eye to the fur and the face.  The little girl's expression is pleasant but a little enigmatic.  Who is she?  Is she the painter's daughter?

Diana

Saint-Pierre was one of the most revered painters of his day but sadly less well-known now, certainly away from his native France.  He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1861 and was well known for his depictions of exotic maiden, partly drawn from his travels in North Africa.

Halimar

He did not just paint pictures, he also decorated the foyer in the theatre in his home town of Nimes, the buffet at the station in Lyon and part of the interior at d'Oran cathedral. His work is beautifully coloured and so detailed in rich fabrics and jewellery.  My favourite has to be this one which is the very definition of luxurious...

Reclining Odalisque

Well, she looks like she'd give you a happy Christmas with her Turkish Delight.  Just before I lose half of you, off to think about finding the odalisque in your stocking, look again at the fur in her harem.  I don't know much about Gaston Casimir Saint-Pierre, but I know he's a man who knows about fur...

Today is Wombat Friday (because every Friday is Wombat Friday) so my present is a very fitting one.  I'd like you to adopt a wombat...

I don't exactly intend you to go out, pick up a wombat and carry it into your home, but the WWF offer the chance for you to adopt one via their organisation and provide food and safety for a little furry fellow in his habitat.  In return for your adoption you get information and your very own cuddly wombat which will enable you to take part in the Wombat Friday nonsense that happens on Facebook and Twitter every week.  Go on, cuddle a wombat...

Two of my wombats channelling Julia Margaret Cameron...

The adoption page is here and is available worldwide from $55.  I've adopted one and we called her Fat Alice as she is massive!

 

See you tomorrow...