| “Social Graces” 39" x 32" Oil on Canvas Synopsis: This work began as a study of an Ingres drawing Embracing Couple, c.1719. Lowe has used this drawing as the figurative backdrop for his work. The central female figure, originally depicted recoiling from a suitor’s advances, has been taken from Antoine Watteau’s Gathering near a Fountain, c.1720. The figure’s lower torso has been left monochromatic and unresolved as in a study of a seated female nude. The small conflict |
between background characters in Watteau’s original grand scene has been
brought center stage in Lowe’s work. Lowe has painted a caricature of the
debutante’s social responsibilities, portraying them as lust filled assaults.
brought center stage in Lowe’s work. Lowe has painted a caricature of the
debutante’s social responsibilities, portraying them as lust filled assaults.
