Cherchez la Femme

1973

mixed technique 50x75 cm

Dedicated to Jacques-Louis David

An expression used when there is a quarrel or a fight, and it’s necessary to identify the person who, directly or indirectly,started it all, and who therefore is ‘responsible’.

The advice invariably given is to search for ‘a woman’, any woman, who is always deemed to be the most likely cause !
In this particular case she is well visible. You don’t have far to search. There she is !

This work is an appropriation of a painting by Jacques-Louis David in which the capricious Madame Recamier is not only represented as a model of female beauty and grace, but also one who, in spite of herself, held great influence and sway in political matters.