What reasons that would spellbind you to the masterpieces displayed in museums?

Is it because the painting was created by a renowned artist ?

Or perhaps the origin of the painting conceived from unusual circumstances ?

Or the painting was created by a particular technique or genre that you appreciate?

Or could it be that the painting was stolen and changed hands many times until one day it ultimately ended up returning to the same place it was taken back when?

Or possibly the painting were auctioned at a steep price of tens or hundreds of millions ?

Personally, the parable of “The Truth and the Lie” based on the series of the same name by Jean-Léon Gérôme holds great appeal for me. 

In 1896, Jean-Léon Gérôme, one of the most celebrated artists of the academic art period, painted a series of images based on the central model of Truth, derived from Ancient Greek philosopher Democritus’ observation that “of truth we know nothing, for truth is in an abyss.” It can be argued that the most widely recognized of those paintings is that of Truth Coming Out of Her Well Armed With Her Whip To Chastise Mankind.

In the 19th century, a new myth emerged around the painting. This story, ofttimes referred to as The Truth and The Lie, is something we thought to share here. 

The Truth and the Lie meet one day. The Lie remarks to Truth that it is a beautiful day. Truth, mistrustful, does not believe her, but looks up to see the Lie’s comment confirmed by a beautiful sky. They spend the day in each other’s company. Near the end of their day, they come upon a well, to which the Lie says to Truth, “The water is cool and refreshing. Let us bathe in it together.” Truth, again, hesitates, but upon testing the water sees that the Lie had been correct. They undress and enter the water.

Suddenly, the Lie jumps out of the water and steals Truth’s clothing. Truth, angered, chases after her to reclaim her habiliments. The Lie, garbed in Truth’s raiment, passes through the world praised and celebrated, but Truth is ridiculed and scorned for her explicit indecency. Truth, shamed, returns to the well and hides. 

Since then, the Lie walks the world welcomed, for so long as people refuse to face the Truth bared, the Lie, clothed in her garments, will be accepted in her stead. 

We invite you to peruse JBenArts’ vast collection of over 10,000 artworks and discover some new and exciting stories for yourself! Our talented artists are sure to provide what you are looking for!