Role of the Artist as Celebrity via the Dreyfus Affair

by Anya Rous, h band

Introduction Page

Dreyfus's Degradation

Modern Paris, End of Nineteenth Century:

In a time where everything from building materials to job opportunities to ideology was changing, it is no wonder that the artist was transformed from a court decorator and aristocratic ego booster to a freelance celebrity following his own dictates. The artist was free to paint what and whom he chose when he chose. This freedom was granted as a result of the change of the public's perception of artists. Demand for new and innovative art for the rising bourgeoisie class encouraged many to break from existing schools of art and create styles of their own. Instead of painting for one specific patron, artists displayed their work and sold to various buyers, further allowing them their creative freedom. The artist became a celebrity. His prominence bought him a social and political voice. The Dreyfus Affair is perhaps one of the most demonstrative examples of the newly-acquired influence and stature of the artist. The affair split the country, along with two friends, writer Emile Zola and painter Edgar Degas. Looking at the two men and their reactions to the affair, begins to reveal each man's view on the role of an artist in his art and in his celebrity influences.

The Dreyfus Affair

Zola as Dreyfusard

Degas as anti-Dreyfusard

The New Role of the Artist as a Celebrity