This is, I think, my top favourite painting (I believe I've mentioned it before). It's by Honthorst, and portrays 'Christ Before the High Priest'. It's in the National Gallery, and whenever we're nearby, we go in to visit it. The weary resignation on the face of Christ, and the almost 'you know what I have to do - I've got no choice' expression of the priest (and, as John pointed out, the 'there you are. You had it coming to you' expression of the man behind the priest, really say it all, whether or not you're a believer. The whole is enhanced by the glow of candlelight.
I had a wonderful day, having lunch with my oldest and best friend, and, on the train, reading a book by my latest discovery (Charlotte Mendelson - her most recent novel, Being English, is quite brilliant, and I'm pleased to see that it's been long-listed for the Booker), and being mesmerised by fellow- passengers, (in particular, a young man who ate his way through two whole packets of cold meat on the way home).
Do visit the picture and/or read the book if you get the chance. (But I can't guarantee the presence of the young carnivore.)
It is a magical picture. I'm an Impressionist but can see the skill and brilliance in this.
ReplyDeleteI hope the meat he ate was not of the swine for although the swine is of cloven hoof it cheweth not the cud.
I think some of it might have been, Adrian!
DeleteI had to laugh about "the young carnivore"! There's one on every train or bus, isn't there?
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with the Honthorst painting. Now, if I were to see it, it would be through your eyes, and John's: not a religious painting, but a portrayal of one man explaining the difficulties of his job to someone he would probably prefer not to punish. (And I won't forget the smug fellow in back.)
I hope I'll remember to look for Charlotte Mendelson's novel. If you say it is "quite brilliant" there's a good chance I'll agree.
K
She's a stunning writer, Kay. Do give her a try.
DeleteThe faces certainly are expressive.
ReplyDeleteThis reproduction doesn't do them justice, Patsy.
DeleteI've just spent rather more time than I had to spare at this moment studying the picture and I'm not sure that I put the same interpretation on the attitude of the priest although I agree wholeheartedly with the other interpretations. However I accept that you've had much more time to consider it. I shall return.
ReplyDeleteSadly, it's a bit far for you to travel, GB. But it's a very arresting picture, however you interpret it.
DeleteWonderful painting, Frances, and I do agree with your interpretation. Haven't heard of that book yet. Glad you had a lovely day out!
ReplyDeleteIt was great, Rosemary although the cheese sandwich wasn't up to much!
DeleteFound Charlotte Mendelson on Wikipedia and her page is pretty impressive, certainly sounds worth checking out, thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteShe is marvellous, Martine. I think it's because of her
Deletelatest book that she's really come to the fore. I'm now on my third of her novels!
Thank you for the recommendation, Frances. I found several of Charlotte's Mendelson's books on Amazon, one called "Almost English", is that the one you mean?
ReplyDeleteThe picture is very, very atmospheric. I wonder whether the painter used people he knew in real life for the characters (especially the two guys behind the priest), maybe people he did not like particularly and found their character fit the role well.
Yes. Almost English is her latest. I was sent it to,review, and it quite blew me away.
DeleteThanks for the book/author tip. I'll watch out for her. I haven't seen or heard of the painting, but it does tell a wonderful story. I too have just spent a lovely day in Sheffield with an old school friend. We back tracked through Encliffe Park to see if we could find the old cinder path where we exited the school. We sort of found it, but a lot can change in 50 years. Except our giggling, which was just the same.
ReplyDeleteMy friend is now blind, and she asked me what I now look like. Hmmmm...
DeleteI cannot recall, Frances, when a single sentence had such an impact upon me.
DeleteNot sure I ever saw this painting before - thanks for sharing. Like you say in your reply to GB, "it's a very arresting picture however you interpret it".
ReplyDeleteI know lamentably little about art, but to use a cliche, I know what I like, and I really love this. It has a stillness about it, despite the imminence of violence.
DeleteI don't seem to be able to click on the reply button to your response to me, but I wanted to say that it also had the same affect on me as it did on GB. There has to be a very profound story in there somewhere.
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