| For a few days will remain presented, in the galleries of the Orangery, the important decorative paintings that at the request of Mr. Leon Pineau, rector of the University of Poitiers, just executed the painter Pierre Girieud for the Council Chamber from this institution. Four panels depict Lycurgus and the Spartan oath, Homer among shepherds, Aesculapius at Epidaurus, Pythagoras and his school, respectively symbolizing Law, Letters, Medicine and Science. To celebrate the University of Poitiers, the artist has grouped in a vast composition the great figures who illustrated it: Saint Fortunat, Saint Radegonde, Saint Gregory of Tours, Charles VII, the Duke of Berri, Ronsard, Joachim du Bellay, Rabelais, Descartes, etc.
Two other large panels frame the war memorial of the University. They evoke glorious France and painful France. Finally, eight figures in monochrome symbolize the pedagogical virtues. The rare talent of Pierre Girieud found in this work of choice the opportunity to deploy his resources of sober and all classic elegance. |