Count Muffat's First View of Nana at the Theatre

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This illustration was inspired by Émile Zola's 1880 novel, Nana . Here Nana is seen performing as Venus at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris. Demuth places the viewer in the perspective of Zola's character Count Muffat, who admires Nana through a peephole from backstage. The contours of Nana's body are outlined by a quivering graphite line that recalls the graphic work of Auguste Rodin. Demuth's washes in yellow watercolor evoke the blinding intensity and dramatic illumination of the stage's electric footlights.

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