The Captivating Voyeurism of the French Doctor Jean Morisot

Thanks for sharing your nice insights on Morisot's work and the interesting reference to Von Bayros's preferred themes JB. Among my favorites is Fig.9 which is most likely a critical remark to the colonial activities of France in which the 'black man' gives them a taste of their own medicine.

Thanks JH. It's all in the eye of the beholder.I have to disagree. Like JB remarked above the scenes are only play. When I study Morisot's other work, his integrity becomes clear to me. He is not trying to put the exotic male protagonists in a bad light. The women are not frightened of the skin color but rather overwhelmed by these imposing lovers (perhaps with the exception of Fig.9 which has a different starting point!).

Interesting comment, yet, I believe it misses the point. Artists in general reflect the mores of their times, exception maybe to be made to propagandist "artists" (ex., living under oppressive, totalitarian regimes, fascism, socialism-communism.) I see more lust and surprise --- look at the size of that phallus in fig. 24!, --- than anything else. To quote an old black friend of mine, "Once you go black, you can't go back!" It's not gospel, of course. As a doctor, Morisot probably did lend a sympathetic ear to many of his patients in "confession;" his illustrations are a mix of imagination, humour and curiosity. Fig. 16 is taking place in a native's hut, but notice the sculptures to the left, with erect phalluses. What's the story here? The white lady was charmed by the black artist, and wondered if his maleness was as endowed as the sculptures, so, succumbs to his charms... Just to find herself gasping for breath.... Or is it a scene of rape? Black savage kidnaps white gal from her plantation, and decides to go hard on her? Or.... Maybe.... Well, like Marijn said, it's maybe all in the eye of the beholder. But french erotica is full of interracial encounters, between white folk, blacks, north african Bedouins, Arabs, etc. I don't see racism in any of it, just a portrait of varied situations resulting from cultures crossing paths.

You're absolutely right. It is a bit of a hobby-horse of mine but IMHO it is a characteristic of appealing art that it evokes a certain degree of ambiguity. The Dream of the Fisherman's Wife has also long been thought to be a rape scene. Anyway, I hope more information about Morisot will emerge in the future as he is an interesting artist.

I don't think you're wrong at all, maybe the administrators of this site should reconsider putting them in a better context than "interracial relationships". If Morisot was actually interested in portraying them, then why not draw them like he does the white characters. Anyone knows how racism looks like if they've grown up around it and this is racism. And the argument of "They're a work of their time" falls short when you consider the fact a lot of people even during "olden times" knew what racist caricatures were, just look into history. An example would be the international reaction to Leopold II's crimes

Thanks Moira. It's always fascinating to see the varying opinions and perceptions when looking at the same work(s). To be honest, I don't see the distinction between how Morisot portrays 'white' and 'black' characters. In the unpleasant scenes (those of rape), for example, it is always 'white' figures that dominate the illustrations. Perhaps you could call him a misanthropist even sooner, which I don't think he is either. Which denomination in this context would cover the subject better in your opinion, 'politically incorrect relationships'? I am curious to know, do you consider Mark Twain a racist for his repeated use of the word 'nigger' in his novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?

Moira, most of what we see is in the eye of the beholder. Take a closer look at ***all*** pictures and you will see that both black and white characters, male and female, are somewhat caricatural. And males, are in many cases domineering. The expressions are in those cases somewhat "demonic" if you get what I mean. The women are often being overpowered and look scared, but there are several exceptions. That walk among the phalluses is dreamy. Fig. 27 shows a threesome, and the black male performing cunnilingus is definitely pleasing his lady, her expression is of pure ecstasy, not fear. One can see racism anywhere if one wants. Is it there? Same with pornography: I know many people for whom any depiction of nakedness is pornographic, and I'm talking about ANY, even Ruben's nudes, let alone an erect phallus, sexual intercourse, felatio or cunnilingus. I don't see any racism here, but I see a lot of lust, hunger, pleasure and desire, and more. As with everything, everyone's mileage varies, and it's all mostly in the eye of the beholder.

You're welcome Karen!

Thanks a lot for the additional info Dan. Very perceptive!