September Morn

September Morn

Paul Emile Chabas

Our mom (also dad) loved this picture.  For years it hung above a claw foot bathtub in the old Cripple Creek house. Being of a different generation, not that far removed from the Victorians, she thought it was too racy for any other room. Sometimes she even covered it with a towel, in case visitors would be offended. I think that is sweet and funny, like mom often was.

The notorious original is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art but hasn't been on display for years. It's considered kitschy now, but I like it. It was hanging in a back corner of the basement, but I had the frame repaired and brought it upstairs to my boudoir.

September Morn first went on exhibit at the Paris Salon in 1912, and from that point on, the many reproductions caused controversy in the United States. These days it looks pretty tame, but a Chicago art dealer was once charged with indecency for displaying it. Some 7 million reproductions were sold, though poor Chabas, who had not copyrighted September Morn, never got any royalties. It also inspired songs, stage shows and films. There's quite an interesting Wiki page on the picture: Click here. 

Well, no bathing in lakes today. This September morn dawns wet, windy and dark.