I might have asked you this before George but have you read Donna Tartt’s novel ‘The Goldfinch’? (it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014) Its central motif is the Carel Fabritius painting. I understand that Tartt was drawn to the painting’s delicate beauty and the tragic fate of its creator. The painting's survival, despite catastrophe, mirrors the novel’s themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of art. Tartt spent nearly a decade writing the book, during which she immersed herself in research on art history, restoration, and antiques. The novel’s rich detail about museums, art dealers, and collectors reflects this deep engagement. 2019 saw a film adaptation of the book, but for me, it doesn’t capture it’s depth and complexity.
I was so surprised, thinking I was learning about this artist for the first time, to realize I was already familiar with the painting of the goldfinch—not because of Tartt’s acclaimed novel, but, as it happens, because I had a box of art greeting cards and the painting was among them. The painting never leapt out at me as important in any way, but put in the context of his other works and of his life cut short, it takes on a different meaning. Still not a favorite for me, but the self-portrait, particularly, is impressive. Thank you for the reintroduction!
I might have asked you this before George but have you read Donna Tartt’s novel ‘The Goldfinch’? (it won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014) Its central motif is the Carel Fabritius painting. I understand that Tartt was drawn to the painting’s delicate beauty and the tragic fate of its creator. The painting's survival, despite catastrophe, mirrors the novel’s themes of loss, resilience, and the enduring power of art. Tartt spent nearly a decade writing the book, during which she immersed herself in research on art history, restoration, and antiques. The novel’s rich detail about museums, art dealers, and collectors reflects this deep engagement. 2019 saw a film adaptation of the book, but for me, it doesn’t capture it’s depth and complexity.
Well said, and, yes, one of the great novels of our time! I’m afraid to watch the movie version, though.
Thanks and I wouldn't say the film is terrible, it just doesn't capture the books essence.
I had never heard about this artist. His paintings are very nice. Thanks for the introduction.
I was so surprised, thinking I was learning about this artist for the first time, to realize I was already familiar with the painting of the goldfinch—not because of Tartt’s acclaimed novel, but, as it happens, because I had a box of art greeting cards and the painting was among them. The painting never leapt out at me as important in any way, but put in the context of his other works and of his life cut short, it takes on a different meaning. Still not a favorite for me, but the self-portrait, particularly, is impressive. Thank you for the reintroduction!
I’m always learning from you, George. My favorite painting is The Sentry. There are so many aspects to it.
An informative and entertaining deep dive into this artist and the event described
https://www.shortform.com/summary/thunderclap-summary-laura-cumming
What powerful work! And such a sorrowful loss — more “collateral damage” chalked up to humankind’s love of self destruction.