Classic Poem

The Salon of the Champ de Mars is one
That students seek and static painters shun.
It hints of some endeavour, and betrays
The search for subtle modes and simple ways.
It marks revolt against the sterile school
That, pow'rless to create, conforms to rule.

The French are strong in technique, but to quote
That technique's all of art, as Courbet wrote,
Pollutes fair Reason's pure and crystal fount
And makes the dainty thought of no account.