Louis Janmot’s ‘poem of the soul’ at the Musée D’Orsay
During an attempt to broaden my understanding of fine art, I discovered “The Poem of the Soul” by Louis Janmot, displayed at the Musée D’Orsay. This exhibition is an exceptional introduction to the artist.
Of all that was exhibited, I preferred the charcoal works to the paintings. While they were both technically impressive, the charcoal pieces had a moving quality that reflected the story perfectly. The use of highlights and restricted colors in the charcoal portion of the exhibit was awe inspiring, and hard to tear myself away from.
The idea of a poem corresponding with visual art just works. It was a unique way to make a story unfold before the viewers eyes. The concept adds an extra layer to the viewers perceptions of each individual painting.
I went back to appreciate it all two days later, and while I didn’t see everything with new eyes, I was still just as impressed as during my first viewing. Right then and there I knew that I had to bring my dad to see this exhibition while he was here for a visit. He’s very opinionated, and I wanted to include another perspective, so here’s a paraphrased version of what he thinks of the Poem of the Soul:
“The story is deeply entwined with Janmot’s own religious beliefs. He was taught to reject knowledge and temptation, but when he did, received the death of his soulmate. He thought he would be happy and safe, instead he believes he’s been punished and doesn’t understand why. This deeply disturbed Janmot and the hero of the story, who closely reflects Janmot’s own life.
The First Communion
The religious ideations in the Poem of the Soul were thought provoking. In — when he steps on the Bible, it seems like an expression of dissatisfaction with the constraints placed upon him by his interpretation of the religious teachings he received. This can speak to many people, and not just in a religious context, it’s important to cast aside what you’ve learned that hasn’t been of service to you.
It seems to me that the purity of the young hero and his soulmate isn’t just a sexual purity, but naivety.”
Just like me, my dad appreciated the Charcoal drawings more. He says they left more to the imagination, while the paintings were quite stark and direct.
The Torture of Mezentius
By the time you get to the charcoal portion of the Poem of the Soul, you’ve already made many deep impressions, then comes a change of style. This masterfully changes the tone of the experience. The work displays the internal struggle of the artist. His questioning of and devotion to his religion, his grief at the loss of his lover, and his struggle with temptations, are all laid out before you in technically marvelous paintings and drawings.
I enjoyed the way the D’Orsay set up this exhibition, sprinkling in sketches for the Poem of the Soul on the side walls, and including in depth explanations of each individual piece. So you can understand just how much I loved this exhibition, I went back 6 times during its stint at the D’Orsay. I would absolutely recommend checking out the more in depth history of this work.