Painting of the Week

[olde_fashioned]

I haven't liked the way things have been turned topsy-turvy in my life of late, and that includes LJ. Apologies for not keeping up with things like I should! I hope to be getting back to where I was before here soon. :-) In the meantime, I'm starting up my Painting of the Week series again.

Feel free to discuss and/or drool! ;-P



click to enlarge to full painting



Image courtesy of the ARC

(facts from Wikipedia)

Today in 1810 (January 10th), Napoleon and his wife Josephine agreed to divorce, because she could not bear him an heir. Regardless of their rather turmultuous relationship, they remained "on good terms" until her death in 1814.

Napoleon claimed to a friend, whilst in exile on Saint Helena, that "I truly loved my Josephine, but I did not respect her." Despite his numerous affairs, eventual divorce, and remarriage, the Emperor's last words on the Island of St. Helena were "France, the Army, the Head of the Army, Josephine."

Comments

[ladyneferankh.livejournal.com]

Oh so lovely, and just in time for that class I'm taking ;-) ....

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

;-D

[grendel-mother.livejournal.com]

What a sad painting - the grief of separation is beautifully shown. I love the detail - even the discarded fan has been meticulously painted.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

I know, the fan is very noticeable! Very poignant, too.

[marianneevans.livejournal.com]

The attention to detail is overwhelming from the parquet floor, discarded fan and flowers to the wall moldings. The opulence accentuates the tragedy.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

You're right! Very eloquent btw. :-)

[fencer-42.livejournal.com]

WOW!
that painting is gorgeous! =D
i love the story of N&J

:hug:

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

It's fascinating, isn't it? :-)

[fencer-42.livejournal.com]

OH! extremely!

[savyleartist.livejournal.com]

This is beautiful. What I like about these kind of paintings is that you can still feel the sadness and emotion, but still it's dignified and regal

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Yup, yup! Very well put! :-)

[rebeccarand987.livejournal.com]

Wow, this is beautiful. It's just so detailed, yet not at all overdone.
I have to admit, though, that before I saw the title of the painting all I could think was "OH NO! Did he kill her? But where's the blood? She can't be sleeping - she's on the floor!..." hehe.
LOVE this painting.

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

LOL! I guess it does look like he could have killed her. In a way, I suppose it did...

[visionsbeyond.livejournal.com]

Wow! A very bittersweet lovestory but beautifully portrayed here! Stunning! It just says so much! The broken fan on the floor really reflects the emotions in the shot beautifully! Nice pick olde! :D

[olde-fashioned.livejournal.com]

Thanks, glad you like! ;-D Seeing the bit about their divorce on Wikipedia by accident just clinched it for me, lol. ;-)

[i-eat-taco.livejournal.com]

Truly magnificent painting.
I've been always putting this one to one of my favourites. I am able to stare at it many hours, searching for more details and inhale the atmosphere of that heartbreaking moment.

It's amazing how Napoleon's love to her lasted to the last moment of his life.

~Rai

[spacious-soul.livejournal.com]

What a gorgeous painting!!!