Isaac Nowell

In search of Jeanne Duval: The Baudelaire Fractal, by Lisa Robertson, reviewed

The painted-over figure of Baudelaire’s muse eventually emerging from Courbet’s great canvas provides one of many haunting images in this complex novel

Detail of Gustave Courbet’s ‘The Artist’s Studio’ showing Charles Baudelaire reading and ghostly figure of Jeanne Duval to the left of his head. [Getty Images]

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

There’s no commitment, you can cancel any time.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Comments

A blooming good offer

Join the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting the next 3 months for £3.

Already a subscriber? Log in