Santa Claus - but not in the nude

@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.
1 person likes this
@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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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Aug 23
Chloe is well-known in Australia but I wouldn't really want her in my lounge.
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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.
1 person likes this
@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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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
22 Aug 23
Can't you just see a statue of Chloe at the shop entrance??
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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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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
It was a bit of a surprise to see her above the mantlepiece.
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• United States
22 Aug 23
@JudyEv I bet it was but beautiful
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@LadyDuck (502653)
• Italy
21 Aug 23
That is a big Santa, beautiful colors. Interesting to know about Chloe.
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@LadyDuck (502653)
• Italy
21 Aug 23
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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
Chloe is well-known in Australia. So is Santa Claus for that matter!
1 person likes this
@Dena91 (17039)
• United States
25 Aug 23
I've heard of the painting you're talking about. That is a lovely Santa
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
28 Aug 23
Perhaps Chloe's fame has travelled overseas! lol
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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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@AmbiePam (120979)
• United States
21 Aug 23
I was wondering how Santa ended up here!
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@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
I didn't think I should chance my luck with Chloe! lol
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (209062)
• United States
22 Aug 23
Hmm, I might prefer Santa to Chloe.
1 person likes this
@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
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
Big,, bare tummies aren't the most attractive, for starters!
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@xFiacre (14787)
• Ireland
21 Aug 23
@JudyEv Christmas is an odious enough time of year, but to be confronted with Santa and his bits on display would really be a bridge too far.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
It would indeed. There are some things we just don't need to be confronted with - at any time!
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@dya80dya (36805)
22 Aug 23
I like this painting.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
23 Aug 23
It's a very big Santa, isn't it?
@Beestring (15372)
• Hong Kong
21 Aug 23
Sounds interesting. I would find out more information about Chloe.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (382326)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Aug 23
Wikipedia has information about her.
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