Marcel Blairat
An Orientalist work, “The Odalisque with the Parrot” by watercolorist Marcel Blairat. A colorful watercolor, full of vitality
Watercolor on paper
Signed lower left
Dimensions: 42 x 64 cm
With frame: 73 x 94 cm
Price: 4500 euros
Marcel Blairat, a talented watercolorist and colorist.
Watelet’s painting oscillates between the classical formula of the composed landscape—whose decorative aspect he emphasizes—and a more naturalistic style.
From the neoclassical design, Watelet retains a taste for the layering of planes—which allows him to push back the horizon while enlarging the space—and for the skillful distribution of light.
His style is precise down to the smallest detail and is characterized by elegance and refinement.
Our painting is a good example of this
A scene from everyday life
Her work is characterized by a subtle use of color and attention to detail, which allows her to convey a lively and immersive atmosphere. Our fresh and vibrant watercolor is a good example of this.
Here, a nude young woman wears a red headdress adorned with gold sequins and sparkling jewelry. She is reclining on a sofa covered with a colorful patterned drape and playing with a parrot.
“The Odalisque with the Parrot”; the parrot, a symbolic animal in painting
His image has inspired many artists. Already known in ancient times, the animal was highly considered for its ability to repeat words. Finally, the exotic animal, the parrot, can be represented because of its rarity and its price, as an indicator of social status.
Whoever owns a parrot belongs to the wealthiest social class.
More modern painters, such as Manet and Frida Kahlo in her self-portrait with parrots, have depicted him.
Biography
Marcel Blairat was a French painter, watercolorist, and printmaker, known for the quality of his watercolors.
He made his debut at the Paris Salon in 1877 and participated in Parisian exhibitions, where he displayed Orientalist etchings and watercolors.
He is best known for his works inspired by landscapes, particularly those of Upper Egypt—where he lived for a time—and the Camargue.
Blairat has developed his own style and focuses on Oriental scenes and natural landscapes.
Bibliography
• E. Bénézit, *Dictionary of Painters, Sculptors, Draftsmen, and Engravers*, Gründ
• “The Minor Masters of Painting (1820–1920)” by Gérald Schurr and Pierre Cabanne
Museums
• Geneva, Museum of Art and History
• New York, Metropolitan Museum, etching
