Santa Claus - but not in the nude
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (382326)
Rockingham, Australia
August 20, 2023 7:14pm CST
The picture ‘Chloe’ is a Melbourne icon which hangs in the saloon bar of the Young and Jackson Hotel.
Measuring 260cm (102 inches) x 139cm (55 inches), it is an oil painting by French painter Jules Joseph Lefebvre and is a full-length frontal nude of the naiad of the same name in an 18th century French poem by Andre Chenier.
It was first seen at the Paris Salon in 1875, then displayed in Australia at the 1879 Sydney and Melbourne Exhibitions. After a few twists and turns, the painting was purchased at auction 1908 and installed in the saloon bar.
Chloe became the mascot of the Royal Navy frigate, HMAS Melbourne. She captivated may servicemen during WWI and WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
I don’t suppose I should put up an image of Chloe but here’s a full frontal of Santa Claus in all his glory. And what I nearly forgot to mention is that a (smaller) reproduction of Chloe hangs in the lounge here above the gas fire.
14 people like this
12 responses
@Tampa_girl7 (54716)
• United States
24 Aug 23
I like the Santa. I’ll look up Chloe.
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@Tampa_girl7 (54716)
• United States
30 Aug 23
@JudyEv I looked her up. I wouldn’t care to have her either.
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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
2 Sep 23
@Tampa_girl7 It would be a bit embarrassing if you asked the vicar/priest/pastor to tea. 

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@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
21 Aug 23
That’s a really nice looking Santa.Claus, but I think I would much rather see Chloe in all her glory.
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@moffittjc (128837)
• Gainesville, Florida
23 Aug 23
@JudyEv That would be a great place to put such a statue, although it would probably attract the wrong type of clientele.
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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Aug 23
@moffittjc I think it would turn away many of the old dears that frequent such shops. 

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@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
21 Aug 23
Does it? She is a nymph is she? I had not seen her Chloe.
Hello Santa.

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@RebeccasFarm (91297)
• United States
22 Aug 23
@JudyEv I bet it was but beautiful
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@LindaOHio (222624)
• United States
21 Aug 23
As I read your post I thought, that sure doesn't look like Chloe! lololol Have a good week.
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@LindaOHio (222624)
• United States
21 Aug 23
@JudyEv No, I don't think so either! lol
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@snowy22315 (209062)
• United States
22 Aug 23
Hmm, I might prefer Santa to Chloe.
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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Aug 23
I think I do too. If we had it in our house I'd feel obliged to cover her up when we had (certain) visitors. 

@wolfgirl569 (135881)
• Marion, Ohio
21 Aug 23
I would prefer to see a dressed Santa 

1 person likes this
@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
21 Aug 23
Sounds interesting. I would find out more information about Chloe.
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