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Thursday, April 30, 2015

So how's it going?

 


This is the painting I think about when under the weather. While this cough seems to be killing me, I'll live.  Death of Marat was  painted  by Jacques -Louise David, Paul Marat's friend and fellow revolutionary.  Paul suffered from a skin disease so spent most of his time in the bathtub writing oratories  for the people's newspaper, while David okayed a lot of executions of the French aristocracy, including Louie. You can read about it here:  www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/his/CoreArt/art/neocl_dav_marat.html

This painting was done quickly. David was a busy guy.  

18 comments:

  1. Oh dear. Hope the medication kicks in soon. I'll follow the link to read more about the painting, thanks!

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    1. It's hanging in Brussels. The trouble is I think the medication is kicking in. codein. And it's giving me a gigantic headache at the same time it's loosening the cough. This is a beauty though. Don't you think? The simplicity of the composition, the limited palette is quite contemporary.

      The knife on the floor near his hand suggested to me he killed himself, but after reading the article, he was alain by an intruder with different political views.

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  2. Well, that was a shock, I didn't expect to see a picture of a dead person! I like the painting but it wouldn't make me feel better if I was ill! Think happy and get well soon, my dear Linda. Hugs

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    1. It's very expressive in this situation. The codein is killing me. The good news is: no worries about becoming a codein junky. Poor Ellis is also under the weather, but the last man standing. The kitchen is not his forte. And he worries about me a lot which doesn't help his wellbeing.

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  3. I just read your last post...I hope you're feeling better!!! Your sketch was really nice (under the circumstance!!) I hope you and Ellis feel better soon..!!

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    1. I couldn't find the sketch I really wanted to use. That was was just fair, it has noticeable flaws, but I did manage to catch the whacked out, forlorn look of someone who is ill. Ellis is marvelous. A sweetheart of a man. I am very fortunate he accepted my proposal and we were both stubborn enough to stick it through all life threw our way; he is a gift.

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  4. GRIM!!! Are you coughing up bits of lung yet??? Kidding! Your chest must be so sore from all that coughing.
    I've always liked [not loved] this painting - can't say why. I recently finished a fascinating book about Dumas' father, who was right in the midst of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic eras. So I had to follow the tangent and watch some documentaries about the revolution. I had no idea it was so very bloody and vicious, and that their philosophies were precursors to those of the later socialists and communists. Just some useless tidbits ...

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    1. Yellow slime. But it's painful. Then it seems the cure makes you sick--dizziness, nauseous and in danger of dehydration. I've got a call in to the doc now to see what else he has in his bag. I think it's the codein. Meanwhile if you have a weight issue, eating anything substantial is out of the question. Chicken soup, orange juice, raisin bread toast and lots of ginger ale is all I can tolerate.

      I love historic tidbits. The bitch of the French Revolution was we couldn't return Louie's generosity during our own revolution. Lafayette and his family did manage to escape the country, but only after he lost his father to the guillotine. We owed Lafayette more than money. Tidbits.

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  5. I didn't think people used Codien any more! Brilliant painting, awful subject! But I can imagine you're feeling awful. We always put honey, glycerine, lemon juice ans whiskey in hot water ... it doesn't cure it, but it's a pleasant diversion.

    Trouble with the French Revolution was they executed all the academics along with the clergy and aristocracy. (Cue Scarlett Pimpernel)

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    1. Why is that? Perhaps because it makes you nauseous and dizzy and sicker than sick? Hot toddies are great after the cough becomes bearable, something I'm looking forward to.

      The French Revolution was a class revolution. Anyone fortunate enough to have achieved A level of socio-economic status was lumped in with the nobility.

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  6. Terrific painting choice.

    Feel better.

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    1. Sorry I had to choose it. This is the masterpiece that comes to mind when I am totally depleted this time by a horrific cough And the worries that came with it, other times by whatever life had thrown at me. To me it is the ultimate image of sorrow, despair, depletion of spirit, heartbreak.

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  7. thanks for the education...I have seen this painting often and never knew the story of it. I have always liked it...what drama! I HATE going to the doctor...but sometimes it is absolutely necessary. Rest up and feel better soon!

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    1. I found the history behind it interesting too. I never knew it, I just knew this was a masterpiece of expression. Thanks. Unfortunately, Ellis' cough is moving in the same direction. The two of us are quite the pair, each using our energy surges as they come along in spurts to satisfy our needs.

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  8. How awful. How did you get sick? Is it viral or bacterial? You didn't fly to las Vegas did you?
    Anyway I certainly hope you are feeling somewhat better.
    I sure can understand the connection you are feeling to the somber mood of the painting.

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    1. Viral. Of course we flew. Michigan to Vegas would have been quite the car trip. Everyone on the plane was coughing or sneezing all into that canned air. my idea of wearing a surgical mask was nixed by EMR. Looks stupid. I thought smart. Home security may have had other ideas? I listened. Wrong decision. I'm paying for it.

      The Death of Marat is my idea of a masterpiece. It has levels of emotions that relate to viewers decade after decade. It comes from the deepest kind of passion.

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  9. Dear Linda. I hope you are better now.
    This painting made me understand how bad you can feel ... I I wish soon recovery of health.
    A lot of good vibes I send to you....

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    1. Thanks Rita. Having a viral infection and both of us being in our seventies, our health reserve is diminished. Recovery is going to be a long haul. Your good wishes are appreciated.

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