Cindy Sherman's Madame de Pompadour (nee Poisson) of 1990
Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Artist Statement
In her portrait of Madame de Pompadour (1990), contemporary photographer Cindy Sherman attempts to reestablish artistic conventions through a "feminine" aesthetic. The artist dismantles historical French gender constructions by appropriating the materials and designs of eighteenth- century dinner wear, and placing herself costumed as Madame de Pompadour on its face. As I plan to demonstrate, she subverts its primary use as decorative dinner ware, deflects the male gaze, and elevates women from the status of object of desire to subject of intellect.
Location
University of the Pacific, Classroom Building
Start Date
5-5-2007 9:00 AM
End Date
5-5-2007 12:30 PM
Cindy Sherman's Madame de Pompadour (nee Poisson) of 1990
University of the Pacific, Classroom Building
In her portrait of Madame de Pompadour (1990), contemporary photographer Cindy Sherman attempts to reestablish artistic conventions through a "feminine" aesthetic. The artist dismantles historical French gender constructions by appropriating the materials and designs of eighteenth- century dinner wear, and placing herself costumed as Madame de Pompadour on its face. As I plan to demonstrate, she subverts its primary use as decorative dinner ware, deflects the male gaze, and elevates women from the status of object of desire to subject of intellect.