07 July 2009

Les Tétons au jardin

Yes, these bushes are meant to look exactly like you think they look. In fact, Titus and Frederic, the caretakers of our communal earthly paradise, have spent two diligent and focused years to achieve this result - and why not? Many artists have replicated the human form in the search of beauty....

A Sèvres porcelain bowl from Marie-Antoinette's laiterie at Rambouillet is said to have been molded from the Queen's own breast. Click here to order the reproduction made by Bernardaud.

Many say that the size and shape of the champagne coupe was inspired by the breast of such famous lovelies as Helen of Troy and the Marquise de Pompadour. Dancers at the Moulin Rouge, such as the infamous La Goulue below photographed by Adolphe Block, were rumoured to have had their anatomy measured by the coupe as part of their audition process.

If they filled the cup, perfect... if the cup runneth over, next!


This painting at the Louvre is attributed to the Fontainbleau school and is thought to be of Gabrielle d'Estrees and one of her sisters in a wooden bathtub, c. 1595. Gabrielle d'Estrees was the mistress of Henry IV and is depicted holding a ring given to her by the king. Her sister pinches her nipple to indicate that she is pregnant with the king's child. In the background a female figure is sewing clothes for the baby.

11 comments:

Rose C'est La Vie said...

One of your best, wittiest and naughtiest posts! Delicious, merci.

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

Thank you, Rose! Now what are you doing up so late, missy?

home before dark said...

I think you need to look further back in time (preChristian) to see the breast as art and font of worship. Always curious when proportions are viewed as heavenly whether the Golden Mean is at work/play. Glad to see the breast larger than a Hershey kiss at work at your communal earthly paradise. Had the artists been from the Phillipines, you would be looking at phallus.

Is the coupe Baccarat? It reminds me of my wedding crystal, Provence.

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

Home, why YES, it is Baccarat - you are good. And I for one am glad Titus hails from the low lands and has gravitated to the more gravity-challenged bosom.

Blue said...

Don't see it, myself. They're what did you say?

Komt je man uit Nederland of Belgie?

Emily Evans Eerdmans said...

Blue, Titus (appropriately pronounced Tee-tus - so maybe I'm spelling it wrong?) is Dutch. You don't see it???

Blue said...

Of course - just playing. And I knew how to say his name and loved the pun! Good night.

Janet said...

Darling ~ only you could take the breast to such wonderfully historic proportions. Thank you for making my evening.

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Hmmm.
Perhaps I should look at the tall, cylindrical spruce by my front porch a bit differently.

P.Gaye Tapp at Little Augury said...

wicked and witty, I must show these to my gardener. la

soodie :: said...

I don't mean to sound juvenile... but this post is AWESOME!