I went to see the exhibition, “Van Gogh’s Cypresses” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York the other day. It’s not a huge show, but it’s substantial enough. I’m not sure exactly how many paintings and drawings there are, but I would estimate about forty. Unlike the Impressionists room on the second floor of the Met where the lighting is strong, clear and bright, the lighting here, on the first floor, off the section where the Greek vases are displayed, in a room I’ve never even seen before, is muted, soft, quiet.
Just a gorgeous tribute, Richard. I wonder, I've always wondered, if Van Gogh's fascination with cypresses, apart from their intriguing humanoid shapes, might have to do with the fact that in the Mediterranean they are the traditional trees of cemeteries, lining the allées leading to the holy ground and often shading the graves with their dark masses. Or am I giving way to a fervid imagination?
Thank you, Nancy. I think you're on to something. In the little village where I lived, the only cypresses where in the cemetery. I'm sure Van Gogh was aware of this. One thine the commentary pointed out was that often Van Gogh's cypresses lean against each other, often a smaller against a larger, like a mother and child.
A wonderful story painted with words and tinted with admiration! Thank you, Richard, for taking me with you to the Met. What a great way to start a new day and no “excuses for not working after going to this exhibition.” I’ll draw “relentless determination” from the artist and will call today My day with Van Gogh
I was struck by how the horizon in some paintings are tilted, which caused me to look deeper into painting because when we look out a window we always see the horizon as straight as it actually is.
Thank you Richard for a great story as usual. Always a great pleasure to read your articles. Let's try to go to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam when you're over. By the way, saw a nice but short exhibition in Paris today : Jacob Vrel who is suposed to have influenced Vermeer.
Thank you for this great post. I really like your reflections on the work and the exhibit. I also enjoy the pictures. The letter in French blew me away, and I know how much you like letters.
Thanks, Olivier. I always appreciate your feedback! You saw Van Gogh mentions Maupassant. He was a great reader! Loved, loved Zola. He had even read Uncle Tom's Cabin!
Yes! Maupassant's name caught me by surprise. Judging by the quality of his writing in that letter, I am sure he read those French writers in the original. Fascinating. I need to find out more about his life.
Just a gorgeous tribute, Richard. I wonder, I've always wondered, if Van Gogh's fascination with cypresses, apart from their intriguing humanoid shapes, might have to do with the fact that in the Mediterranean they are the traditional trees of cemeteries, lining the allées leading to the holy ground and often shading the graves with their dark masses. Or am I giving way to a fervid imagination?
Thank you, Nancy. I think you're on to something. In the little village where I lived, the only cypresses where in the cemetery. I'm sure Van Gogh was aware of this. One thine the commentary pointed out was that often Van Gogh's cypresses lean against each other, often a smaller against a larger, like a mother and child.
lovely picture, that!
A wonderful story painted with words and tinted with admiration! Thank you, Richard, for taking me with you to the Met. What a great way to start a new day and no “excuses for not working after going to this exhibition.” I’ll draw “relentless determination” from the artist and will call today My day with Van Gogh
I am glad you came along, Marina!
Teresa, I agree. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/ubTJI_UphPk
Thank you, Richard, for this lovely essay.
Love this clip, Darlyn!
The episode of Dr. Who when they take Vincent to the Musée d’Orsay gets me every time. Great post!
Glad you liked it, Teresa! I saw the clip Darlyn posted. Great!
PS, I read and was moved by your piece about your son.
I was struck by how the horizon in some paintings are tilted, which caused me to look deeper into painting because when we look out a window we always see the horizon as straight as it actually is.
Never noticed that!
Thank you Richard for a great story as usual. Always a great pleasure to read your articles. Let's try to go to the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam when you're over. By the way, saw a nice but short exhibition in Paris today : Jacob Vrel who is suposed to have influenced Vermeer.
Merci, Philippe. I appreciate you reading my newsletter and all the good things you say. I am eager to come to Paris!
No. I just haven't got around to recording another video. Been busy with the trees!
Thank you for this great post. I really like your reflections on the work and the exhibit. I also enjoy the pictures. The letter in French blew me away, and I know how much you like letters.
PS, I haven't seen any new YouTube posts by you recently. Did I miss any?
Thanks, Olivier. I always appreciate your feedback! You saw Van Gogh mentions Maupassant. He was a great reader! Loved, loved Zola. He had even read Uncle Tom's Cabin!
Yes! Maupassant's name caught me by surprise. Judging by the quality of his writing in that letter, I am sure he read those French writers in the original. Fascinating. I need to find out more about his life.