Description
“La Cigale” (The Cicada or AKA The Grasshopper) is one of the most celebrated works by the French academic painter Jules Lefebvre (1836–1911). Completed in 1873, the painting reflects Lefebvre’s mastery of the classical tradition, particularly his skill in rendering the female form and conveying complex emotions through his subjects. The painting depicts a young woman, hair draping down, holding a sash of white satin, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and the tension between innocence and experience. Her contemplative gaze and serene posture contrast with the dynamic symbolism of the cicada, which is often associated with both immortality and the ephemeral nature of existence in Greek mythology.
“La Cigale” was first exhibited at the Paris Salon of 1872, where it garnered attention for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. The painting represents a fusion of academic realism with symbolic undertones, reflecting Lefebvre’s ability to blend classical ideals with contemporary themes. Today, “La Cigale” is held in the collection of the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Jules Lefebvre (1836–1911) was a renowned French academic painter and art teacher, celebrated for his masterful portraits and idealized depictions of the human figure, particularly female nudes. Born in Tournan-en-Brie, Lefebvre studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Léon Cogniet. He gained early recognition by winning the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1861, which allowed him to refine his skills in Italy.
Lefebvre’s works, characterized by meticulous detail, luminous colour, and classical composition, were widely exhibited at the Paris Salon, earning him numerous awards. Notable pieces include Truth (1870), La Cigale (1872) and Chloe (1875), which can be seen at the Young & Jackson hotel, in Melbourne.
In addition to his artistic achievements, Lefebvre was a respected teacher at the Académie Julian, influencing a generation of artists. His legacy endures as a symbol of 19th-century academic art and its pursuit of beauty and perfection.
