The French: Paragons of Good Taste. Or Not?

A lot of Americans are beguilled by France (and more accurately, Paris) as the center of the universe when it comes to class, style and refinement. And indeed, there are certain members of my family (you know who you are) hold up the French as the pinnacle of good taste. I have always had my doubts. So today, at a Vide Grenier in Le Peyrat I saw so much junk being offered for sale that I knew what I had to do. I took pictures of some of the more offensive garbage. It was not easy to do with a straight face as the owners were, for the most part, sitting behind the table or standing nearby, beaming proudly at their possessions that they were sadly parting with. So, without further ado, here are some of the least tastefull of the items. Bear in mind that the weather was not cooperating, and a heavy mist demanded that many of the items be covered by plastic and I could only take pictures of the least valuable items left out in the rain.

What do you think of this beautiful clock that also doubles as a candlelabra? Very chic, n'est pas?

Or what about this touching painting of a weeping child, complete with an ornate frame. Do you like it? Would you like to see it on your living room wall? Of course, who wouldn't?

How about this plaster image of a woman mooning? Something to have in your home, no doubt. If you don't have something like this, and you want it, please note that it is not "one of a kind". There were two, one more at the top of the picture exactly like it, so the value is half what you might think.

Any one these items would add grace and sophistication to your home if it was sitting on your mantel. But if you had all four, friends and neighbors would line up on Saturdays to see them displayed. Well, at least my neighbors would.

Who is this guy? Is he famous or the son of someone in Le Peyrat?

And lastly, this sculpture. Who doesn't love clowns? Feel free to leave your comments if you wish, and remember, to see these objects larger, just click on em'.