Aphrodite 1971

René Duvillier created this painting, called Aphrodite, using fluid brushstrokes. Although Duvillier lived and worked in post-war France, this artwork is far removed from the concerns of social realism and instead takes us back to classical antiquity. However, even a work like this must be seen in its proper historical context. The mid-20th century was a period when many artists abandoned the idea of realistic representation altogether. If you look closely, you can see how the paint is applied in a loose and gestural way, which gives the image a sense of movement and energy. The use of color is also significant; the blues and purples evoke a sense of mystery, while the flashes of red suggest passion and sensuality. By looking at old exhibition catalogs and reviews, we can understand how Duvillier's abstract style challenged the traditional values of the French Academy and helped pave the way for new forms of artistic expression.