Overview:
Elizabeth Robins Pennell’s “Nights” offers a unique perspective on the late 19th-century artistic and intellectual scenes in Europe. She recounts her experiences in Rome, Venice, London, and Paris, detailing the lively conversations and encounters with prominent figures of the time. The book transcends a simple travelogue, revealing Pennell’s profound interest in art and her keen observations of personalities and societal trends.
Pennell’s writing style is engaging, infused with wit and a touch of irreverence. She paints vivid portraits of her companions, capturing their eccentricities and passionate debates on art, literature, and society. Through her descriptions of late-night gatherings, we witness the clash of ideas, the fervor of artistic movements, and the constant pursuit of new artistic frontiers.
Key Findings:
- The book unveils the interconnectedness of artistic and intellectual circles in Europe, showcasing the influence of figures like Whistler, Henley, Beardsley, and others on their contemporaries.
- Pennell highlights the importance of art as a “trade” – a profession demanding skill and dedication – and emphasizes the critical role of technique and aesthetic principles in artistic expression.
- The book emphasizes the vibrant and often contentious nature of artistic debate, revealing the constant questioning and challenging of artistic norms and conventions.
- It offers a glimpse into the social and political movements of the late 19th century, particularly through the lens of the “Fighting Nineties,” which Pennell characterizes as a period of vigorous intellectual and artistic rebellion.
Learning:
- Art as a “Trade”: The reader will gain a deeper understanding of art as a profession, not just a hobby. Pennell emphasizes the importance of technique, mastery of materials, and the dedication required to create artistic works.
- The “Fighting Nineties”: The reader will learn about the dynamic and often controversial period of the “Fighting Nineties,” characterized by rebellion against Victorian conventions, the rise of new artistic movements like Impressionism, and the emergence of a new generation of artists and writers challenging established norms.
- The Power of Conversation: The reader will understand how conversation plays a crucial role in shaping ideas and influencing artistic trends. Pennell’s book illustrates how passionate debates and the exchange of ideas fostered innovation and experimentation.
- The Lives of Artists: The reader will learn about the lives, personalities, and creative processes of key figures in the late 19th-century artistic world, such as Whistler, Henley, Beardsley, and many more.
Historical Context:
The book provides a rich tapestry of the late 19th century, encompassing the social, artistic, and political landscapes of Europe. The era witnessed the rise of new artistic movements, the emergence of a new generation of artists and writers, and a growing sense of intellectual ferment.
The book also touches upon political events, particularly the Boer War, and reflects the changing social landscape of the time, including the growing influence of women in intellectual and artistic circles.
Facts:
- Whistler’s influence on art: Whistler’s influence extended beyond his artwork to shape the critical discourse of the time, influencing the artistic opinions and practices of his contemporaries.
- The importance of technique: Pennell and her companions emphasized the importance of artistic technique and mastery of materials over purely emotional or conceptual approaches to art.
- The “Visible Sign”: Pennell and her friends, particularly Henley and Stevenson, were fascinated by the “visible sign” – the outward expression of an idea or emotion – and its power to convey meaning.
- The rise of new artistic movements: The late 19th century saw the emergence of various artistic movements, including Impressionism, Symbolism, and later, Post-Impressionism.
- The “Yellow Book”: This literary and artistic journal, edited by Henry Harland and Aubrey Beardsley, served as a platform for a new generation of writers and artists challenging Victorian conventions.
- The “Fighting Nineties”: This period, characterized by intellectual and artistic rebellion, saw a wave of new publications, exhibitions, and societies seeking to challenge established norms.
- The importance of conversation: Pennell highlights the role of conversation in shaping ideas and driving artistic innovation within the artistic circles she describes.
- The “Vie de Bohème”: Pennell’s account captures the spirit of the Bohemian lifestyle, with its emphasis on artistic freedom, unconventional living, and the pursuit of pleasure.
Statistics:
- Van Gogh’s rise: Van Gogh’s paintings, once considered obscure, became highly sought after in the early 20th century, fetching enormous prices.
- The popularity of the “Yellow Book”: The journal attracted a wide readership and became a major platform for new voices in literature and art.
- The growth of artistic societies: The late 19th century witnessed the emergence of various artistic societies, such as the New English Art Club, which sought to challenge traditional art institutions.
Terms:
- Impressionism: A 19th-century artistic movement emphasizing the capture of light, color, and fleeting moments.
- Symbolism: An artistic movement emphasizing symbolic representation and suggestive imagery.
- Post-Impressionism: An artistic movement that emerged after Impressionism, characterized by a more expressive and subjective style.
- The “Vie de Bohème”: A term used to describe the unconventional and often impoverished lifestyle of artists and writers.
- The “Fin-de-Siècle”: A term that captures the anxieties and sense of cultural change at the turn of the 20th century.
- The “Visible Sign”: A term used to describe the outward expression of an idea or emotion, often through artistic means.
- The “Yellow Nineties”: A term used to describe the late 19th century, emphasizing its artistic and intellectual ferment.
Examples:
- The “Gold-fish story”: This anecdote describes Whistler’s unusual request for a gold-fish as payment for a portrait.
- The “devil-in-the-glass story”: This story recounts Whistler’s remark about seeing the devil in a glass, highlighting his wit and penchant for provocations.
- The “Wolkoff-pastel story”: This anecdote illustrates Whistler’s refusal to sell a pastel to a wealthy collector, emphasizing his independent spirit and his commitment to artistic integrity.
- The “Farewell-feast story”: This story depicts Whistler’s memorable farewell dinner with his friends in Venice, highlighting the close bonds and the shared artistic passions of the group.
- The “Dissipated Gentleman”: This anecdote, recounted by Duveneck, illustrates the humorous and unconventional nature of artistic life in Munich.
- The “Esquimaux hut”: This story, also told by Duveneck, highlights the spectacular and sometimes dangerous nature of artistic events in Munich.
- The “Lantern-Bearers”: This story, originating from Stevenson’s childhood with Bob Stevenson, reveals the romantic and adventurous streak in their personalities.
- The “Black flannel shirts”: This anecdote, again from the Stevenson-Stevenson pair, exemplifies the unconventional dress sense prevalent among artists in the late 19th century.
- The “Jaeger costume”: Bob Stevenson’s adoption of Jaeger clothing highlights the growing interest in health and wellness during this period.
- The “cheap wine”: Bob Stevenson’s enthusiasm for affordable wine and the humorous consequences of this choice exemplify his romantic approach to life and his disregard for practical concerns.
Conclusion:
“Nights” is a captivating journey through the artistic and social circles of the late 19th century, offering a unique glimpse into the lives and personalities of a diverse group of artists and writers. Through Pennell’s engaging prose and insightful observations, we witness the dynamic interplay of ideas, the clash of artistic movements, and the pursuit of creative expression in a rapidly changing world. The book serves as a valuable record of a vibrant and often contentious era, highlighting the importance of conversation, artistic innovation, and individual expression in shaping the intellectual and artistic landscape.