Compulsory Education | Briton Rivière | 1887 Ludovic Alleaume and the joy of life

and the joy of life

and golden armor evoke both celestial beauty and an intimidating sense of judgment

The angel’s stance suggests both the execution of divine will and the sorrow of witnessing humanity’s downfall

This artwork features an unusual combination of objects: a classical head

Painted in 1880

Compulsory Education | Briton Rivière | 1887 Ludovic Alleaume and the joy of lifeAbout the artwork: In Compulsory Education (1887), Briton Rivire transforms an ordinary lesson into a tender study of childhood and companionship. A young girl sits absorbed in a book while a large dog rests against her, drawn into the lesson with the solemn patience of an unwilling pupil. The humor of the title comes from this gentle role reversal: education may be compulsory, but the student in question seems far more interested in affection than