Author |
Pater, Walter, 1839-1894 |
Title |
Imaginary Portraits
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Note |
Reading ease score: 58.5 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
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Contents |
A prince of court painters -- Denys l'Auxerrois -- Sebastian van Storck -- Duke Carl of Rosenmold.
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Credits |
Produced by Bruce McClintock. HTML version by Al Haines.
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Summary |
"Imaginary Portraits" by Walter Pater is a collection of character sketches written during the late 19th century. The work explores the lives and artistic sensibilities of various historical figures and imaginary personalities, delving into their psychological and aesthetic complexities. The first chapter introduces us to Antony Watteau, a young painter whose journey from a modest life in Valenciennes to the artistic circles of Paris is filled with aspirations and emotional turmoil. The opening of "Imaginary Portraits" sets a reflective tone as it unfolds Antony Watteau's early life, revealing his artistic talents and inner conflicts. Initially depicted through the eyes of a narrator who is a close observer, we witness Watteau's struggles with self-doubt and his desire to escape his unremarkable origins. The narrative captures fleeting moments of joy and melancholy as he navigates his world, marked by interactions with his family and the vibrant energy of Valenciennes. As Watteau leaves for Paris, his hopes and fears are palpable, suggesting that his artistic path is fraught with both promise and potential heartache. The rich descriptions establish a vivid backdrop that invites readers into Watteau's life, hinting at the broader themes of aspiration, identity, and artistic expression that will resonate throughout the collection. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
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Subject |
Short stories, English
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Subject |
Courts and courtiers -- Fiction
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Subject |
Europe -- History -- Fiction
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
2399 |
Release Date |
Nov 1, 2000 |
Most Recently Updated |
Jan 1, 2021 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
134 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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