Claude Monet produced thirty paintings of the Rouen Cathedral.
View Larger Map
In most of them, the Gothic church is shown from the same angle; it is the colors that were the main subject of variation. By using unpredictable, sometimes improbable palette combinations — or “harmonies” — as the artist called them, Monet strove to capture the structure in different light and weather effects, some of which, I have to say, seem just as the colors, improbable and unpredictable. I certainly do not wish to contend Monet’s artistic logic, because impressionism has its own rules, and it was the man himself who invented them. Still, for someone uninitiated, there is considerable surprise involved, and my goal here will be to try and outline its origins from a fresh perspective.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
It is easy to identify a tormented soul in this face. This is van Gogh after the infamous incident of cutting off his earlobe. The tortured, retired and introspective gaze leaves no doubt as to the state of mind of the portrayed man.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
While van Gogh grieved at his inability to pay for human models, this financial drawback harbored a bright side, prompting him to seek other subjects, mostly in nature. Thus, a series of still lives featuring sunflowers came from under the artist’s brush. Though there are common elements shared between them, each piece carries unique characteristics that set it apart from the rest.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Sometimes, during family reunions, when everybody is at the table, eating, a sudden moment of silence intrudes and makes itself almost palpable. Only the chewing sounds are heard, and everyone becomes, just for a second, very self-conscious and uncomfortable, — until someone talks again, and the strange sensation is gone. Such a moment is captured in this painting; though, without the uneasiness, as it appears a less festive and tense gathering. In fact, the only one who might feel uncomfortable, is the viewer — the intruder on this rather intimate scene.
Read the rest of this entry »
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Another classic, probably the best known of Van Gogh’s paintings. It hangs in the Museum of Modern Art, New York. While looking for things to say about it, I tried to avoid the usual psychobabble — but in vain. This piece exudes psychological meanings and evading them would eventually result in a crippled, and even dishonest review. I would like to focus on several details and make some conclusions about” the bigger picture.”
Read the rest of this entry »
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
