William Bouguereau and the Lyonnais: crossed perspectives between Paris and Lyon

We had dedicated a podcast to Jérôme Tomaselli, a Lyonnais collector who decided to share his passion for the painting of his city by opening a public presentation space, where exhibitions follow one another (see here). These continue to improve. While the first catalogues were still sparse in text, this one, without yet reaching the level of a museum, demonstrates real progress. And this trend will continue in the future, with a new exhibition space much better suited to this type of event, located in the center of Lyon rather than on its outskirts.

1. William Bouguereau (1825-1905)
Tête de vieillard, vers 1860
Huile sur toile - 58 x 50 cm
Collection particulière
Photo : Tomaselli Collection

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2. Michel Dumas (1812-1885)
Mater Dolorosa
Huile sur toile - 55,5 x 34,8 cm
Lyon, Tomaselli Collection
Photo : Daguerre

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The exhibition in question is not solely devoted to the Lyonnais, as it is a confrontation between the work of William Bouguereau and the 19th-century artists originating from this city.
Let’s say it right away: it must be seen for at least two reasons. First, Bouguereau’s paintings and drawings, from private collections — probably some descendants, but this has not been confirmed to us — have mostly never been shown to the public and are of very high quality (ill. 1). Second, they are accompanied by works mainly from the Tomaselli collection, some already exhibited here, but many can be admired for the first time, such as a preparatory sketch by Michel Dumas (ill. 2) for the Trinité Church in Paris, recently acquired.

3. Louis Janmot (1814-1892)
Portrait du père Lacordaire, 1883
Huile sur toile - 102 x 83 cm
Collection Michel Descours
Photo : Galerie Michel Descours

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Bouguereau was from La Rochelle and worked mainly in Paris, except for a stay in Italy after winning the Prix de Rome in 1850. What, then, is his…