The Barmaid and The Lady in the Painting

Hello everyone,

Hope you are all fine and that you had a great weekend. It has been a very busy week for me I must say, with quite some excitement too. I didn't really have time to work on The Master Swordsman Pub & Inn but I couldn't resist not sharing with you a new comer to Regent Street and the story line behind it. 

During the week I received another lovely doll made by my friend and doll maker Beverly Senatore. I am just thrilled with her and I have to admit she has to be one of my favorite dolls and for good reason. 

I would like to introduce to you the Barmaid of The Master Swordsman Pub & Inn; Susanna. 

Susanna The Barmaid

Beverly and I agreed to have this doll similar to the Oil Painting 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère'.

A Bar at the Folies-Bergère by  Èdouard Manet

A Bar at the Folies-Bergère was painted and exhibited at the Paris Salonin in 1882, is considered the last major work of French painter Èdouard Manet. It depicts a scene in the Folies-Bergère  nightclub in Paris.  The venue opened in 1869 and its atmosphere was described as “unmixed joy”. In contrast, the barmaid in Manet’s representation is detached and marooned behind the bar. The painting originally belonged to the composer Emmanuel Chabrier, who was Manet's neighbor. The painting is currently in The Courtauld Gallery in London, England.

I was curious not only about the artist who painted the painting but very curious in the lady herself. The painting is rich in details which provide clues to social class and milieu. The woman at the bar is a real person, known as Suzon, who worked at the Folies-Bergère in the early 1880's. There isn't much about her. Manet has also painted Suzon's Portrait in 1881. I think she was very beautiful. 

(Suzon) The Model for the Folies-Bergère

I keep wondering how her life was. Was she happy? Did she live a long life? Did she have a family of her own? So many questions that I will never get to know. If only she knew that after 136 years since the painting of the barmaid in the bar in Paris, there would be a miniature doll of herself. 

Suzon is a Hebrew name for Susanna. I thought it was kind of sweet to keep her original name so I opted for Susanna. 

Finally the day arrived when I received her and I was just thrilled. Beverly has made such an amazing job on her. From here I want to thank Beverly for giving my dolls houses more character with her lovely dolls. 

The Story in Regent Street 

Mr. Joseph Rookie was locking up the  J.R. Art Gallery, after a busy day. He was finding it difficult to be creative. There was nothing special to inspire him. Before calling it a night, he decided to stop by for a drink at The Master Swordsman Pub & Inn. There at the window he saw someone new.

The new barmaid at the pub was quite pretty, withdrawn and kept to herself while she served the clients.

Finally inspiration hit our artist at Regent Street. He couldn't resist not painting the image of Susanna at the bar.

After a few weeks, in J.R. Art Gallery, there was the famous painting of the new barmaid which inspired him and now welcomes him with a glass of white wine each time he drops in. 

  

 The miniature painting, printed on canvas of 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère' by Èdouard Manet is also part of J.R. Art Gallery. 

Hope you have liked the new barmaid. She brings quite some history with her and also a good story line for Regent Street. Keep tuned for the next update.

Take Care and See You Soon.

Hugs,

Rebecca xxx