When a classic painting like Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe by Manet is reinterpreted by artists it’s difficult to determine who is genuinely reinterpreting for glory and who just ran out of fresh ideas to paint. In my case, the painting was nearly completed, not much of a departure from my usual style, when I decided to latch on to the fame of Manet’s painting and line up with the many greats and not-so-greats who have had their way with this grassy deli; bookmarked with nakedness and very chic fez. Plus the water polluting maiden having her “pee” in the background.
Waldemar Januszczak in the series Every Painting Tells the Story shared some remarkable insights of Manet’s painting. Worth a look if you can find it!
One thing for certain, no one would ever guess by first gaze on my version of Le Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe. That it could ever be interpreted as such. But once you explore the painting the numbers strangely add up.
Édouard Manet-Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe
Rod Jones Artist - Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe - Oil on Canvas 36"h x 48" w
This is my interpretation of Le Dejeuner sur l’herbe or Lunch on the Grass. Needless to say, it’s very abstract and non-interpretive. It does relate to all of my other paintings and fits within my style motif.
Le Dejeuner sur L'herbe -Pablo Picasso
Le Dejeuner sur L'herbe -Cezanne
If you Google Le Dejeuner sur l’herbe you will find hundreds of interpretations of this painting. You will even find a version utilizing Barbie & Ken. Some are pretty kitschy others are just brilliant.
