Rural Love 1882

Curator: Jules Bastien-Lepage painted "Rural Love" in 1882, an oil on canvas, exemplifying his commitment to Realism and the en plein air tradition. It merges landscape and genre painting. What strikes you first? Editor: The tender awkwardness. Both figures seem so self-conscious in the early stages of love; the atmosphere is heavy with unspoken feeling. I'm drawn to their almost averted gazes and stiff body language; that rustic fence dividing them becomes a poignant barrier. Curator: Indeed. Bastien-Lepage often explored rural life and the peasantry. "Rural Love" places this young couple centrally within their environment; you can see a village, and garden which would have been quite ordinary at the time, however elevated with the addition of an emotional drama in the foreground. It also reinforces the dignity of labor and celebrates the virtue of the common man through its unidealized depiction of rustic existence. Editor: The man holding flowers also interests me. The simple flowers have a very traditional romantic association; love, beauty, purity. He may be presenting them as an offering. Notice how this tender offering juxtaposes against his dirtied attire. Curator: Right, and notice that despite the Impressionistic influence, particularly in the background, Bastien-Lepage’s focus is unwavering toward realistically capturing the figures’ details and expressions. This blend was very well received in the Paris Salon exhibitions. Artists were under pressure to appeal to both academic audiences who value figures, and more Avant-Garde tastes, valuing the landscape. Editor: It feels almost documentary, less posed and more genuine, which reinforces its connection to the psychology of youth. In folklore, certain flowers are associated with divination relating to love. He could even be taking petals off a daisy "she loves me, she loves me not". This ordinary scene could be ripe with anticipation for them, while the world behind continues its day as normal. Curator: Exactly! This captures a sliver of rural life rarely depicted in such a humanizing way during its time. Through Bastien-Lepage's artistry, we're able to delve into the societal values reflected and the raw emotions experienced. Editor: A tender moment that lingers in the visual memory long after viewing. I appreciate this painting's ability to portray subtle yet profound themes within the quiet intensity of an intimate exchange.