DOI issue:
Nr. 193 (April 1909)
DOI article:Segard, Achille: René Ménard: painter of classical landscape
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20966#0208
Rend Mdnard
‘'LE SOIR ”
BY RENE MENARD
tique,” was the paternal uncle of Rene Menard. His
influence on Le Conte de L’Isle and on Heredia is
well known. He imbued them with the spirit of
the Greek writers. Hellenist and archaeologist, he
brought to bear on all his studies the most acute
penetration.
Even though he did not read Greek, Rene
Menard, so to speak, breathed it in his family
circle and in the air of France. In cosmopolitan
Paris, from the cross-roads of inextricably con-
fused influences, he made, unconsciously, a selection
in accord with his innermost ego. Among so many
dangerous influences he allowed himself to be
swayed by those alone which he found compatible
with his peace of mind. Instinct is truly a good
guide when left untrammelled. How much better
182
is our individuality fostered when we set on one
side that spiritual nourishment which, excellent in
itself, often but disturbs and disorganises us in each
particular. He saved himself from the dangers of
such disunion by specialisation and by detailed
and daily work. One is tempted to believe, when
one sees the facile grace and simplicity of these
perfect compositions, that they have been sedulously
but nevertheless easily executed. Often when look-
ing at them I have been reminded of the fluent
charm of La Fontaine’s fables or the delicate finish
of a passage from Racine. But we know from their
manuscripts and corrected sheets, as well as the
testimony of contemporary writers, of what careful
work and enduring patience this smooth sweet
verse must have been the final outcome. When one
‘'LE SOIR ”
BY RENE MENARD
tique,” was the paternal uncle of Rene Menard. His
influence on Le Conte de L’Isle and on Heredia is
well known. He imbued them with the spirit of
the Greek writers. Hellenist and archaeologist, he
brought to bear on all his studies the most acute
penetration.
Even though he did not read Greek, Rene
Menard, so to speak, breathed it in his family
circle and in the air of France. In cosmopolitan
Paris, from the cross-roads of inextricably con-
fused influences, he made, unconsciously, a selection
in accord with his innermost ego. Among so many
dangerous influences he allowed himself to be
swayed by those alone which he found compatible
with his peace of mind. Instinct is truly a good
guide when left untrammelled. How much better
182
is our individuality fostered when we set on one
side that spiritual nourishment which, excellent in
itself, often but disturbs and disorganises us in each
particular. He saved himself from the dangers of
such disunion by specialisation and by detailed
and daily work. One is tempted to believe, when
one sees the facile grace and simplicity of these
perfect compositions, that they have been sedulously
but nevertheless easily executed. Often when look-
ing at them I have been reminded of the fluent
charm of La Fontaine’s fables or the delicate finish
of a passage from Racine. But we know from their
manuscripts and corrected sheets, as well as the
testimony of contemporary writers, of what careful
work and enduring patience this smooth sweet
verse must have been the final outcome. When one