Portrait of Fleury 1897 - 1955

Editor: So here we have "Portrait of Fleury," an intriguing drawing by Georges-Edmond Dargouge, created sometime between 1897 and 1955. The artist worked with charcoal and pencil, so the effect is almost monochromatic on paper. It gives me a rather romantic, theatrical feeling. What jumps out at you when you see this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, "theatrical" is a delicious word for it! For me, it's all about that wig, isn’t it? A veritable halo of curls demanding attention. I wonder what Fleury himself thought of that magnificent creation, eh? Did it empower him, suffocate him, or perhaps both? It certainly defined him, as it defined a whole era of powdered elegance. Editor: Absolutely, that elaborate wig dominates the composition, but is it trying to mask or amplify who he is? Curator: A superb question! Look at the directness of his gaze, however. There's a quiet confidence there, even defiance, perhaps. The wig, the clothes – these are the trappings of status, but beneath it all, Dargouge captures a sense of individual character. Editor: I can see that. The precision in the drawing style really does make him stand out. The artwork itself is very subtle and intriguing. Curator: Exactly. We expect grandeur, perhaps, but get this subtle probing of character instead. The whispers beneath the wig, as it were. It reminds us that art is not merely about capturing appearances, but about revealing inner lives, too. So thank you, Fleury, wherever you are, for this wonderful moment. Editor: I hadn’t thought of it like that before, but I'm really drawn to his gaze now, beyond all the powder and curls. Thanks!