One of my favorite paintings is Pablo Piccaso's anti-war paiting "Guernica". It is a symbol of univeral suffering and represents the horrors of war. Look deeply into the eyes of the horse and see the fear and terror that is expressed; very moving. I interpet the lightbulb in the painting as the universal light, love and unity that we share. Let us remember that in all of the madness, sadness and chaos in our human expereince, we must always focus on the "good" that rises up to meet our dark moments. We must always remain hopeful and be of service to others.
I saw the original and felt all that you identify and dismay at the uncivilized and primitive behavior of even today men finding reasons to attack and murder their own species.
(Side note: I am not criticizing Ukraine for defending themselves, rather the subhuman need of aggressors to start wars that result in the deaths of their own species.)
I believe I feel Picasso’s anger and grief at yet another war and I absolutely am overwhelmed by continued barbarism.
Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith and Holofernes. The only female painter in the Uffizi Gallery. And almost anything by Caravaggio. But if we were to talk sculpture, the Bernini statues in the Borghesi Gallery lift my soul.
Those statues at the Borghese are jaw dropping. There's a Canova of a woman reclining on a pillowy surface that just astonishes and delights. Hard marble transfigured into appearing soft and squishy! And many other great works. Love that place!
Seattle Opera Guild is using Artemesia's painting as the "theme" for our Tosca preview party. Floria would approve of the story behind this painting. "Even the Devil himself does not know where women sharpen their knives."
I’m sad not to be able to remember which Monet painting, but years ago I stood before one, drawn in for reasons I can’t articulate. I stood, staring at the flowers, for a very, very long time…so long that my husband came back and asked me if I was OK.
And one more: I stood in line for almost an hour outside the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy specifically so I could see Michelangelo’s David. As I traipsed through the museum, I stopped first at the four unfinished sculptures of slaves. I stood there a good while and then barely turned my head to the left…and there at the end of the corridor, bathed natural light, was David. Perhaps starstruck or just in awe and relief, I stood frozen, my face becoming warm with tears.
Yes. Please do more of this. This discussion of art brings a welcome diversion while revisiting certain works of art can validate and channel the grief and pain we’re experiencing. The beautiful as well as the gruesome become cathartic.
It's really heartening to "be" with people here thinking together about beauty, true greatness, free expression, heartfelt expression. Why is it that shared joy and delight feels so good?
I had the poster of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights on my dorm room wall back in the 70s. Little did I realize how closely it would foreshadow the Trump administration.
When my son was four, I took him to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where there was a Diego Rivera retrospective. He became mesmerized by the self portrait "The Ravages of Time."
Each day, when I read a story about what the felon and musk did, I re-experience the emotions I felt seeing Goya's paintings for the first time... particularly Saturn Devouring His Son .
I have had a (cheap) print of Nighthawks on my walls in three successive homes. Another favorite painting is Bruegel’s Children’s Games because it brings me back to grade school when the “Art Lady” came to show us and talk about famous paintings. Is that still a thing in these benighted times?
This is why I am only doing Substacks and Podcasts as it’s safer at this point as I know Zuckerberg helped Trump get into office, so did Jeff Bezos. I love the art paintings as it brought me peace, and right now all of us are have to be careful so they don’t get into our bank accounts. When Musk said Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme, but Trump and Musk better not touch my Social Security as I started working at age 13 and now I am 67 yo. I can be ornery and if I have to show them that they are thief’s and Trump should have been banned from running for Office again as January 6th was his fault. The jerk pardoned the rioters
I am always deeply moved by the paintings of Camille Pissarro. They are bright, colorful, lively and serene at the same time. He experimented with several styles, and all are exquisite.
One of my favorite paintings is Pablo Piccaso's anti-war paiting "Guernica". It is a symbol of univeral suffering and represents the horrors of war. Look deeply into the eyes of the horse and see the fear and terror that is expressed; very moving. I interpet the lightbulb in the painting as the universal light, love and unity that we share. Let us remember that in all of the madness, sadness and chaos in our human expereince, we must always focus on the "good" that rises up to meet our dark moments. We must always remain hopeful and be of service to others.
Kenneth
Thank you for reminding me of this work of art.
I saw the original and felt all that you identify and dismay at the uncivilized and primitive behavior of even today men finding reasons to attack and murder their own species.
(Side note: I am not criticizing Ukraine for defending themselves, rather the subhuman need of aggressors to start wars that result in the deaths of their own species.)
I believe I feel Picasso’s anger and grief at yet another war and I absolutely am overwhelmed by continued barbarism.
We should be more advanced by now.
Yes! I’m reminded of Picasso’s Gurnica at this moment too!
First thing I thought of, as well.
A masterpiece and just amazing in person. Very moving
Artemisia Gentileschi's Judith and Holofernes. The only female painter in the Uffizi Gallery. And almost anything by Caravaggio. But if we were to talk sculpture, the Bernini statues in the Borghesi Gallery lift my soul.
Those statues at the Borghese are jaw dropping. There's a Canova of a woman reclining on a pillowy surface that just astonishes and delights. Hard marble transfigured into appearing soft and squishy! And many other great works. Love that place!
I was about to comment on those paintings. The second version moves me.
Goosebumps, yes.
Seattle Opera Guild is using Artemesia's painting as the "theme" for our Tosca preview party. Floria would approve of the story behind this painting. "Even the Devil himself does not know where women sharpen their knives."
Fascists always come after the art first. My favorite is the girl with the pearl earring. Theater is also art and Hamilton showcased the best of our diverse democracy: https://democracydefender2025.substack.com/p/hamilton-diversity-democracy-broadway
Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Fell in love with it when I saw it for the first time when I was about six. 65 years later, I still love it.
I agree. Every time I’ve had the privilege of taking in that masterpiece in person, it’s brought me to tears.
I’m sad not to be able to remember which Monet painting, but years ago I stood before one, drawn in for reasons I can’t articulate. I stood, staring at the flowers, for a very, very long time…so long that my husband came back and asked me if I was OK.
And one more: I stood in line for almost an hour outside the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, Italy specifically so I could see Michelangelo’s David. As I traipsed through the museum, I stopped first at the four unfinished sculptures of slaves. I stood there a good while and then barely turned my head to the left…and there at the end of the corridor, bathed natural light, was David. Perhaps starstruck or just in awe and relief, I stood frozen, my face becoming warm with tears.
Sally,
I can identify with this.
I was moved to tears when I saw Michelangelo’s artfully caressed work there.
Knowing about Michelangelo and his love made this work even more touching.
I love the out of proportion larger hands.
In all of Florence this was the most valuable experience for me.
Grant Woods’ “American Gothic” has been haunting me since Musk started attacking USAID.
I hear you.
For opening the doors of this art museum in our heads in these times, thank you @Steven Beschloss
Glad to do it.
Yes. Please do more of this. This discussion of art brings a welcome diversion while revisiting certain works of art can validate and channel the grief and pain we’re experiencing. The beautiful as well as the gruesome become cathartic.
It's really heartening to "be" with people here thinking together about beauty, true greatness, free expression, heartfelt expression. Why is it that shared joy and delight feels so good?
Wholeheartedly agree. I am thirsty for this type of discussion.
I had the poster of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights on my dorm room wall back in the 70s. Little did I realize how closely it would foreshadow the Trump administration.
Botticelli The Birth of Venus
So many! I love the three artist you mentioned.
But here is one:
When my son was four, I took him to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where there was a Diego Rivera retrospective. He became mesmerized by the self portrait "The Ravages of Time."
(the bottom image in this essay: https://www.dailyartmagazine.com/diego-rivera-life-portrait/)
"Why do the eyes look like that?" he asked. He returned to the question the next day, and the next.
Now (he is 45), when one of us is looking particularly tired or worn down, we ask the other "Are you feeling a little bit Diego Rivera?"
And more generally:
Breugel's intricate landscapes and village scenes.
Thank you for including the link, Jill!
Each day, when I read a story about what the felon and musk did, I re-experience the emotions I felt seeing Goya's paintings for the first time... particularly Saturn Devouring His Son .
That is a haunting painting. Also see Goya’s Los Caprichos.
They definitely never get above their worst animal nature... never to the heart. Thanks Bonnie, I didn't know this etching.
I love the freshness of Matisse. The color and movement brings me joy!
The Scream by Munch jumps into my mind with regularity these days...
I have had a (cheap) print of Nighthawks on my walls in three successive homes. Another favorite painting is Bruegel’s Children’s Games because it brings me back to grade school when the “Art Lady” came to show us and talk about famous paintings. Is that still a thing in these benighted times?
This is why I am only doing Substacks and Podcasts as it’s safer at this point as I know Zuckerberg helped Trump get into office, so did Jeff Bezos. I love the art paintings as it brought me peace, and right now all of us are have to be careful so they don’t get into our bank accounts. When Musk said Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme, but Trump and Musk better not touch my Social Security as I started working at age 13 and now I am 67 yo. I can be ornery and if I have to show them that they are thief’s and Trump should have been banned from running for Office again as January 6th was his fault. The jerk pardoned the rioters
I am always deeply moved by the paintings of Camille Pissarro. They are bright, colorful, lively and serene at the same time. He experimented with several styles, and all are exquisite.