CHAPTER 14 – “CAROLUS”

In Chapter 14 of “The Ways of Men,” titled “Carolus,” the narrative recounts the impactful and inspirational mentorship of Carolus-Duran, a distinguished French artist from Lille, whose expertise and artistry in the early seventies drew a group of mainly American students to his studio in Paris. This influx of students, which included notable names like Sargent and Dannat, necessitated a move to a larger space on rue Notre-Dame des Champs, establishing an atelier where each student contributed to the costs, and Carolus-Duran, in a gesture of generosity and dedication, provided his guidance without charge and occasionally assisted students financially.

This chapter vividly captures the transformative influence of Carolus-Duran on his students, setting a stark contrast between the stagnant atmosphere of other art schools and the energetic, innovative environment of his studio. It illustrates how his success, including the prestigious honors like the MEDAILLE D’HONNEUR and the admiration for his works such as the portrait of Madame de Portalais and “La Femme au Gant,” instilled an infectious zeal among his pupils. The narrative highlights how the camaraderie, mutual support, and shared experiences, like the collaborative work on a ceiling for the Luxembourg Palace, cemented a deep bond between Carolus and his students, fostering not only their artistic growth but also their personal development.

In rituals like the critique Tuesdays, visits to the Louvre, and neighborhood strolls, Carolus’s teachings extended beyond the studio, emphasizing the importance of constant study and the revered traditions of Renaissance art. The chapter also delves into the personal attributes that made Carolus a revered figure: his enthusiastic nature, his approach to teaching that was devoid of envy or calculation, and his profound impact on the artistic trajectory of his students. The recounting of these shared experiences, alongside significant moments of recognition and achievement for Carolus, like painting the king and queen of Portugal and his elevation to presidency of the new school’s exhibition, underscores his role as both a guiding influence and a central figure in the lives of these burgeoning artists.

The chapter concludes with reflections on Carolus’s enduring legacy, his retreat from public life into a stately existence reminiscent of historical artistic greats, and the undiminishable spirit of his teachings, captured in the maxim, “Tout ce qui n’est pas indispensable est nuisible,” underscoring the essence of his artistic philosophy: simplicity, clarity, and the intuitive grace of directness in art.