Constant wanted to create a painting of Leda and the swan that differed from the paintings of his predecessors Delacroix and Cézanne, more sensuous and erotic.
Work
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photo: Tom Haartsen
photo: Tom Haartsen
photo: Tom Haartsen
Europa
1992
130.0cm x 97.0cm
linen, oil paint
Collection Fondation Constant longterm loan to Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, NL
Depicts the myth of the Greek god Zeus, who transforms into a white bull to seduce the young Phoenician woman Europa without his wife Hera finding out. The painting is perhaps inspired by the signing of the Maastricht treatment (Treaty on the European Union) on February 7th, 1992 confirming the European Union and the Euro.
photo: Tom Haartsen
L'Otage
1992
99.0cm x 80.5cm
linen, oil paint
Private collection
Although the theme of this painting is similar to paintings by Manet (L'exécution de l'Empéreur) and Goya (The third of May 1808), Constant has changed the composition so that the audience faces the executioners.
photo: Tom Haartsen
La belle noiseuse
1992
81.5cm x 100.1cm
linen, oil paint
Collection Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, NL
The title La belle noiseuse appears in a short story by Honoré de Balzac, Le Chef-d'œuvre inconnu (The unknown masterpiece) from 1831.
photo: Tom Haartsen
Le soldat
1992
116.0cm x 89.0cm
linen, oil paint
Collection Fondation Constant longterm loan to Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, NL
Soldier seen from the back
photo: Tom Haartsen
Autoportrait (first version)
1991
194.0cm x 185.0cm
linen, oil paint
Constant finishes and signs the first version of his Autoportrait in 1991. In 1994 he makes some alterations and signs it again in a different place.
photo: Tom Haartsen
L'infirmière
1991
116.0cm x 89.0cm
linen, oil paint
Collection Fondation Constant longterm loan to Stedelijk Museum Schiedam, NL
photo: Tom Haartsen
photo: Tom Haartsen