Aimée Price Brown's 40-Year Research on Pierre Puvis de Chavannes Culminates in Catalogue Raisonné Publication

Aimée Price Brown, a leading scholar on Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, has published a long-awaited catalogue raisonné after nearly four decades of research. Her investigation began in the 1960s with curiosity about Puvis's painting The Poor Fisherman, which she found elusive due to fragmented existing commentary. Securing a Fulbright grant, Brown traveled to Paris, where she located Puvis's relatives through phone books and polite letters, discovering they were intrigued by her interest as no one had approached them before. She compiled inventories of family holdings, making drawings instead of photographs due to limited funds. The project evolved from initial curiosity into a comprehensive scholarly endeavor, tracking down works without a predetermined focus. Brown's persistence led to uncovering numerous artworks and family connections, ultimately resulting in the definitive publication that documents Puvis's oeuvre. The interview, conducted by Christina Kee for artcritical in 2010, highlights Brown's methodological approach and the painting's role in sparking her lifelong dedication. This catalogue raisonné represents a significant contribution to 19th-century art scholarship, filling gaps in understanding Puvis's work.