Sentimentality in painting is usually pretty dire, but some examples are unapologetically designed to lift the spirits.
This example below is one such. No doubt it was intended to be reproduced by the thousands and hung on the walls of humble cottages and crofts everywhere. It's sentimentality is obvious. A man weeping over the grave of (I presume) his late wife, or a child, at Christmas. The snow and candle-lit Christmas tree complete the picture.
I also see it as a warning. Treasure what you have NOW, because it all may be lost when you least expect it. Life is short, and we all take everything for granted until it suddenly stops.
It may be a child under that snowy pile, it may have been a parent, a spouse, or even a well loved dog. When it's gone, it's gone, and all that remains is a void where our love was once focused. That trapped love then becomes grief, and it's that grief that we see in the picture.
When I first saw this painting it had the instant effect that it was designed to have. A view of bitter cold, darkness, and sorrow, that we could all imagine ourselves experiencing.
I don't think I'd like that painting on my wall, too depressing!
ReplyDeleteNor me. It's well designed.
DeleteWell, thanks for cheering me up this morning, Cro!
ReplyDeleteIf you have snow, you could re-create the scene in your garden!
DeleteAnd think of the time it was painted, how many did die young?
ReplyDeleteA lot; along with their mothers.
DeleteAfter my Mum died, I discovered an autograph book that had belonged to her mother....inserted in it was a tiny letter from my Grandma's grandparents ( my great great grandparents? ) It was written in 1890 and was wishing my one year old Gran a safe journey on a visit that was to take place.....it also said in one part. " IF you should grow to be a woman", and went on to wish her a good life etc. Obviously not a given that she would survive childhood!
ReplyDeleteWhat a frightening thought. But in Victorian times life expectancy was not what it is today.
DeleteA painting depicting that subject could have been twee { as many are } but that artist has done a good job. Probably not something I would hang on my wall but it has that ethereal feel to it. Snow in a painting is supposed to symbolise purity and innocence so maybe it's a child. XXXX
ReplyDeleteIf the painter was given a brief, then he/she did a very good job. No, it's not something I'd want on my wall either.
Delete"Christmas Eve at The Grave" (1896) by Johan Otto Hesselbom. It hangs on the north wall of the church in Ånimskog, Sweden. The artist is buried in the churchyard there.
ReplyDeleteHow did you find-out that???
DeleteRight button click while hovering over picture then click on "Search image with Google". Just take it from there. I have just been on Google Maps looking at the area around Ånimskog church.
DeleteYou learn something every day, I shall try that in future; thanks.
DeleteI don't like the painting at all. However, your 'treasure what you have now' is a warning indeed. You never know when you'll lose someone precious.
ReplyDeleteThis sort of picture was designed for people who couldn't read or write; pictures paint a thousand words, etc.
DeleteA child's life, a sudden tragic death...you never get over it, believe me.
ReplyDeleteI see that in the picture.
DeleteTrue Cro. I too hate sentimentaliity in any form of art - it is a real turn off and frankly a sign of a poor painting/artist or whatever. I think it was popular in Victorian times and sadly I think the PreRaphaelites were often guilty of fanning the flames. But from where I stand (or more often sit as my legs are 'wobbly') life is indeed short. We never really realise it until we are old do we?
ReplyDeleteI can confirm; we never realise how important our legs are, until they become 'wobbly'.
DeletePowerful!
ReplyDeleteDesigned for the effect that it has.
DeleteCommunicating a message, stirring feelings, or emotions, sadness or joy, the goal of art.
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly the goal of this particular job.
DeleteWhat a gut punch - and a true observation. I lost my sweetie of over 47 years in February 2018. Seems like yesterday. When it is gone, it is gone. Enjoy every single day. Every one!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that Tim. Time doesn't always heal.
DeleteIt is all part of the cycle of life. Live for today, as for tomorrow????
ReplyDeleteThat's how I read the painting; behind the obvious.
DeleteWikipedia has an entry on him. He was a pastor as well as an artist. His first wife died in 1890.
ReplyDeleteI must look him up. He seems to have been quite talented.
DeleteIt is me. I lost my husband in May , being treated for unexpected cancer, one drug was changed and it attacked his lungs in effect he died along death 4 wks in hospital on 80 percent oxygen with nothing to help it. The medicine just kept working .
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear that Gemma, it sounds dreadful. We all hope for a 'good end', but it doesn't always happen like that.
DeleteIt's a bit amateurish. To me it looks like he killed her and is shitting himself.
ReplyDeleteI think you're probably wrong on all counts.
DeleteI don't like the painting. But with the christmas tree, I imagine the grave belongs to a child who died around christmas time.
ReplyDeleteI imagine it was designed to suit all scenarios. A 'one painting fits all'.
DeleteBack in the 1940, a woman's only child died. The mother sat at her child's grave often, decorating it for every holiday, even leaving gifts. This went on for years. My parents took us there sometimes when we were kids to visit the little deceased girl. My sister is buried a ridge over. I imagine their spirts could play together.
ReplyDelete