Springtime, 1873
&
The Storm, 1880
Pierre-Auguste Cot
From the novels of Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters and others of that time, it is easy to see that there was a much higher level of discretion and reserve in people’s manners back then. Young people who were attracted to one another mingled casually at large parties and closer interaction followed only after familial approval and marriage were achieved. Today, on the other hand, everything has more freedom, with almost no restrictions put on people’s behavior. Sexuality has become our way of exercising our freedom as well as presenting our identity to society. Ironically, while some may call our present way of life scandalous when compared to the epitomized forms of literature, reality shows that that past time was only so mannered on the outside. Below the surface, passions rumbled and affairs ensued, mostly as a result of public repression.
These two painting showcase the natural ardor that is inherent to humans at all times in history. The similarity between the forest scenes in the paintings and in Wynter Gordon’s modern music video underscores the consistency, and persistence, of human sexuality. The forest’s silence provides intimacy and it’s visitors provide the emotion, at any and all times.
