L'Orchestre de l'Opera
Edgar Degas, 1868
In a shattering discovery to the art world, BassoonMan.com has
uncovered the truth behind Edgar Degas' masterpiece, L'Orchestre
de l'Opera! After extensive scientific testing that revealed
the original painting (above) had been "doctored"
by Degas when his good friend, Désiré-Hippolyte
Dihau. We've learned that the renowned bassoonist of the Paris
Opera, vowed to terminate his friendship when Degas released
the original painting if he didn't place Dihau's mug on it instead!
BassoonMan.com is proud to have restored this famous painting
to it's original splendor! Obviously, the original is
vastly superior, in every way, than the better known altered
version!
Rumor has it that Dihau persuaded Toulouse-Lautrec
to paint portraits
of him
in
order
to provide Degas
with a little competition!
Upon considerable pressure from both Dihau and Toulouse-Lautrec,
Degas caved in and painted Dihau's vastly inferior face over
the original. (The altered version may be viewed
by moving your mouse over the painting.) Unfortunately, the altered
version is still available for viewing at Musee du Jeu de
Paume,
in Paris - BassoonMan.com is proud to present the original version
here!
(Note: While the names listed above are, indeed, very real,
the story itself is a complete spoof! Degas did paint Dihau's
portrait and placed the bassoon in the most prominent position
in the orchestra [as he should have]! Toulouse-Lautrec was also
Dihau's friend and painted his portrait too.)
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