Huysmans and Painters
Huysmans, a French novelist, was well known for his eccentric use of the
French language in every work he laid his hands on. He mostly concentrated on arts,
where he could participate in the field as an experienced critic. Due to his extensive
interest in arts, he was informed of most players in the field, and he would use the
knowledge in shaping his novels and making them more of informing and interesting.
He efficiently utilized the idea of name-dropping fellow colleagues that he thought
were doing good or were capable of transforming the art industry. Crossing-Paths
assert that he could spice his novel by use of this concept.
Huysmans’s commentaries on his fellow artists appeared sincere and unbiased.
He also analysed his colleagues in the art field in a detailed manner, thereby giving
his audience a better view and understanding of the art of painting. Huysmans works
also depicted massive appreciation to the art and all the involved parties. This paper
analyses some of the commentaries in his book “Against Nature.” The characters he
uses and how he utilizes their presence in the content of his book is looked into in this
paper.
Odilon Redon
Odilon Redon is one of the French artists who have concentrated on their
artworks ever since they were kids. Redon would perfect his artistry until a time came
when he joined the army, participated in the Franco-Prussian war, and later went back
into practicing his interest, which involves artwork. When he moved to Paris, Redon
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devoted himself to artwork, where he used lithography and charcoal to conduct the art
process.
By featuring of Redon in his novel, Huysmans gave recognition to Redon’s
pieces of work to a larger audience. Many art enthusiasts began appreciating his work
and terming them as unique in an impressive way. The symbolic approach employed
by Redon, made possible by use of the aesthetic style of art contributed to rekindle the
fiery art culture practiced in France (Gassner).
Huysmans and Redon developed a warm and friendly relationship that became
known all-over the art industry. Their friendly relationship, whose commencement
dates back to the year 1882, was sparked by Huysmans letter to Redon, where he
expressed massive appreciation and admiration towards Redon’s works. The
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