Bidspirit auction | Jean-George Vibert Satirical Clergy Painting

Jean-George Vibert Satirical Clergy Painting - Jean-George Vibert (French, 1840-1902). Oil on board painting depicting a satirical scene of a cardinal feeding pigeons in a courtyard. Signed along the lower right. Lot Essay: Jehan (Jean) Geroges Vibert was born in Paris to a family of significant artistic and scientific heritage. His maternal grandfather was a renowned engraver and his paternal grandfather was a prolific rose-breeder and botanist. Vibert, though a mediocre student, always knew he was destined to be an artist. At the Ecole des Beaux-Arts he honed his skills under the tutelage of several prominent teachers including Felix-Joseph Barrias and Francois-Edouard Picot. Eventually, his genre scenes featuring members of the clergy engaging in somewhat playful or lighthearted debauchery gained some notice, earning him acclaim for these satirical depictions. At this time in history, contempt for clergy members had risen to such a level that these depictions were deemed acceptable to the public. They were often shown as mockingly decadent, painted lazily sitting in chairs, playing games and music, and other activities that were a far cry from the religious life they espoused. The present painting depicts one such member of the clergy turning away from his duties - the men at the table who are trying to capture his attention - and instead turning away to feed the doves which approach. Sight; height: 10 in x width: 17 in. Framed; height: 19 x width: 26 x depth: 3 1/2 in. Condition: Several areas of inpainting that fluoresce under UV light throughout; the largest of which are along the pillar and just below the doves. There are no large visible tears. Light wear to the frame. Verso not inspected.