Thank you for bringing another beautiful painting to our attention.
What is so gorgeous about this is that we *know* each element so well. The texture of the cherries, the tartness and aroma of the wild strawberries, the smoothness of the bowl, how the knife would sit in the hand, the weight of the glass and how the fineness of the edge would feel when held to the mouth.
It’s the juxtaposition of corporeal and quotidian with the numinous and allegorical which make works like this so compelling. Like all the best things, it tells two stories at once. I absolutely love it.
So beautiful, and such an interesting post. Thank you, India. Do you have a degree in Art History? I have always loved those Dutch and Flemish (or should I be saying Belgian - I am frighteningly ignorant about this stuff) still lives, but I didn't understand all the symbolism (except when there's an obvious momento mori). I was so happy to hear that strawberries and cherries are the fruits of Paradise!
No - I just pick paintings I like and then say why I like them. Anyone could do it - I am very against the idea of art appreciation being some sort of rarified thing that requires specialist knowledge - obviously specialist knowledge is great, but I think an emotional response is just as valid. In this instance I do know a little bit, but only because of being dragged round endless Belgian museums which are stuffed with these sorts of paintings. I found still lives incredibly boring as a child until someone explained that they were full of codes and clues, at which point I became fascinated by them because they turned dusty museum visits into an opportunity for playing detective. Dutch/Flemish is right, Belgium didn't properly exist as an independent country until 1830. I know, v pleasing re cherries especially!
Thank you India, the words that you have written here will now inform how I view <every> still life painting going forward… it feels like you’ve given me a real gift. Thank you again.
Could the dragonfly also symbolise mortality as they only live a week or two (normally)? Anyway, a beautiful painting. I share your love of still life.
How about with plenteous bonking (see Jilly post)? It would kill two birds with one stone, not to mention the fun of the clothes. Although of course, with historical accuracy (which I am sure India would insist on) one would have to consider the smells....
Oh sorry, just said the same thing. I really admore historical novelists - the amount of research is insane. Like, she gets up in the morning - from what kind of bed, with what kind of bedding, and what is the floor she stands on made of, and what do her slippers look like, etc etc and you're still on paragraph 1. I don't know how people do it. Must take YEARS.
Can anybody recommend any good art history books or online courses I really enjoy reading the meaning behind the artwork . I love how well you explain the art India, thank you 😊
Hi Deirdre a good place to start might be Learning to Look at Paintings and/or Learning to Look at Modern Art; both books are by Mary Acton. They are the set / recommended texts to accompany the short online courses offered by Oxford University's Department of Continuing Education ( https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/learning-to-look-at-modern-art-online?code=O24P629ARV ). I think the Open University may also offer similar online short courses and you can always do a search on the UCAS website. There's the Courtauld Institute of Art too which offers many different short courses. Also, if you just want to dip into different art essays from time to time for starters, you might like to try Julian Barnes' Keeping an Eye Open which is available in paperback (probably also available in good condition from a second-hand bookseller but might not be the updated version) and as an audio book. He's an excellent writer and I'm sure you'll find your next trip to an art exhibition has been greatly enhanced by your reading. I hope this is helpful to you and anyone else who loves looking at art.
Hi Alison, thanks so much for replying that’s really really helpful. I will definitely look at ordering Mary Acton’s books and look into short online courses which I think is what I have been looking for. I did A’level art and art history but definitely was not ready to appreciate the art history back then but it’s always something I wanted to go back to and I’ve now got the time to do it . Julian Barnes’ essays will make a great start .
I really appreciate and enjoy your words on these wonderful pieces of art you find. I have always loved beautiful paintings, but you 'read' them for us so well - its like having had a masterclass! Thank you.
Oh yes, I agree on the glassware, but also: what is on the plate behind the middle glass? Too big (and possibly end of meal inappropriate) for olives, maybe baked plums? Or am I overlooking something obvious?
What an extraordinary painting. I keep on looking at it. wished I owned it. You are a wonderful teacher on these paintings. Thank you.
Pleasure.
Thank you for bringing another beautiful painting to our attention.
What is so gorgeous about this is that we *know* each element so well. The texture of the cherries, the tartness and aroma of the wild strawberries, the smoothness of the bowl, how the knife would sit in the hand, the weight of the glass and how the fineness of the edge would feel when held to the mouth.
It’s the juxtaposition of corporeal and quotidian with the numinous and allegorical which make works like this so compelling. Like all the best things, it tells two stories at once. I absolutely love it.
Yes, I so agree re quotidian/numinous - perfectly put.
I love that you read these posts. It means I can really look at them whilst listening to your explanation and interpretation. Thank you!
Oh good, I'm pleased - I'm never sure if it's worth doing.
So beautiful, and such an interesting post. Thank you, India. Do you have a degree in Art History? I have always loved those Dutch and Flemish (or should I be saying Belgian - I am frighteningly ignorant about this stuff) still lives, but I didn't understand all the symbolism (except when there's an obvious momento mori). I was so happy to hear that strawberries and cherries are the fruits of Paradise!
No - I just pick paintings I like and then say why I like them. Anyone could do it - I am very against the idea of art appreciation being some sort of rarified thing that requires specialist knowledge - obviously specialist knowledge is great, but I think an emotional response is just as valid. In this instance I do know a little bit, but only because of being dragged round endless Belgian museums which are stuffed with these sorts of paintings. I found still lives incredibly boring as a child until someone explained that they were full of codes and clues, at which point I became fascinated by them because they turned dusty museum visits into an opportunity for playing detective. Dutch/Flemish is right, Belgium didn't properly exist as an independent country until 1830. I know, v pleasing re cherries especially!
Thank you India, the words that you have written here will now inform how I view <every> still life painting going forward… it feels like you’ve given me a real gift. Thank you again.
Oh good, I'm really glad!
Could the dragonfly also symbolise mortality as they only live a week or two (normally)? Anyway, a beautiful painting. I share your love of still life.
Yes, very possibly.
Wonder why the bread has a hole in the top.
Yes, you'd think would be on the left if meant to recall Crucifixion. It's bang in the middle.
Absolutely gorgeous, thank you. I love the opulence
Thank you and me too.
Thank you for the lesson in symbolism India.
Pleasure!
I’m now certain you need to write an historical novel with a painter as your protagonist. ❤️
A *bonkbuster* historical novel!
How about with plenteous bonking (see Jilly post)? It would kill two birds with one stone, not to mention the fun of the clothes. Although of course, with historical accuracy (which I am sure India would insist on) one would have to consider the smells....
Oh sorry, just said the same thing. I really admore historical novelists - the amount of research is insane. Like, she gets up in the morning - from what kind of bed, with what kind of bedding, and what is the floor she stands on made of, and what do her slippers look like, etc etc and you're still on paragraph 1. I don't know how people do it. Must take YEARS.
Loved the narrative on this painting, this really deepened my understanding and appreciation of it. Thank you.
You're extremely welcome.
Can anybody recommend any good art history books or online courses I really enjoy reading the meaning behind the artwork . I love how well you explain the art India, thank you 😊
Hi Deirdre a good place to start might be Learning to Look at Paintings and/or Learning to Look at Modern Art; both books are by Mary Acton. They are the set / recommended texts to accompany the short online courses offered by Oxford University's Department of Continuing Education ( https://www.conted.ox.ac.uk/courses/learning-to-look-at-modern-art-online?code=O24P629ARV ). I think the Open University may also offer similar online short courses and you can always do a search on the UCAS website. There's the Courtauld Institute of Art too which offers many different short courses. Also, if you just want to dip into different art essays from time to time for starters, you might like to try Julian Barnes' Keeping an Eye Open which is available in paperback (probably also available in good condition from a second-hand bookseller but might not be the updated version) and as an audio book. He's an excellent writer and I'm sure you'll find your next trip to an art exhibition has been greatly enhanced by your reading. I hope this is helpful to you and anyone else who loves looking at art.
Thank you this excellent reply. The Julian Barnes is wonderful, as is all Julian Barnes.
Hi Alison, thanks so much for replying that’s really really helpful. I will definitely look at ordering Mary Acton’s books and look into short online courses which I think is what I have been looking for. I did A’level art and art history but definitely was not ready to appreciate the art history back then but it’s always something I wanted to go back to and I’ve now got the time to do it . Julian Barnes’ essays will make a great start .
Thanks again x
It’s the perfect time of year to start doing some reading too and then, if you fancy it, you can sign up for a course in 2025.
Yes perfect timing!
Thank you for these posts. They are such an education in Art History for the uninitiated.
I'm glad you enjoy them!
I really appreciate and enjoy your words on these wonderful pieces of art you find. I have always loved beautiful paintings, but you 'read' them for us so well - its like having had a masterclass! Thank you.
Thank you - I love writing them (though they are VERY far from a masterclass!)
I know I say it every week but I LOVE these posts. Also, *gasp* at their glassware - the one in the middle!!
Oh yes, I agree on the glassware, but also: what is on the plate behind the middle glass? Too big (and possibly end of meal inappropriate) for olives, maybe baked plums? Or am I overlooking something obvious?
Grapes I think, though they do look very olive-y.
That was like a micro lecture from a properly knowledgeable person! Thank you - it woke my brain up this morning. Fascinating.
Thank you so much!