I was fascinated by this piece, kept scrolling backwards and forwards to look at the painting again. I admit that for a while I assumed the fantastic dancing guy at the front with the snakes was Bacchus, as he took all my attention! Thank you for this. I think the other reason Lamb never travelled was that he had to keep an eye on his poor sister Mary?
Jeffrey, this is a Spanish galleon of a whole piece, laden with treasure! So beautifully written. I'm inspired to get myself up to the National Gallery asap
There is something deeply satisfying, as an artist, when someone takes the time to really read into your work. And think it’s cool that Lamb did it for the Titan piece and you’re doing it for his essay on it :)
Your essays always make me think about the way I consume and critically think about different types of work. Whether it's a painting or a television show It's always great to tackle art from multiple perspectives while also being open to others as well.
What a gorgeous reflection, Jeffrey. I also like to enter galleries unaided. But at the same time, certain prose helps me to see some hidden layers. What a beauty.
There's something immediately perceptible but impossible to define that makes a critique of a work of art (or literature etc) feel genuine, and I think that's why your response to Lamb (and ours, to you, in turn) is the real deal!
Art can have such a strong, visceral impact but often we need some enthusiasm and information to make it 'land' fully.
I am trying to share these types of experiences with art (surrealist art by women in particular) on my Substack and it's helped me to read this. At the same time, it has entertained and educated me!
There is so much in this painting that is not seen at first glance. It was ages before I spotted drunken Silenus on his donkey, or saw the animal head on the floor and the animal limb being held aloft by one of the satyr followers. Bacchus' rituals involved the tearing apart of animals and his wild girls-the maenads-were dangerous and bloodthirsty indeed. There are those who see Bacchus delivering a perfect leg-break, but that's facetious. Jennifer Saint has written a brilliant retelling of Ariadne's story - from her minotaur brother and falling for Theseus, to her abandonment on Naxos and marriage to Dionysus (Bacchus), it's a terrific tale.
Love it.
"Drunk with a new fury beyond the grape...."
I shall use this when I get a bit raucous and can't blame it on one too many snifters of the old Sauvignon Blanc.
I was fascinated by this piece, kept scrolling backwards and forwards to look at the painting again. I admit that for a while I assumed the fantastic dancing guy at the front with the snakes was Bacchus, as he took all my attention! Thank you for this. I think the other reason Lamb never travelled was that he had to keep an eye on his poor sister Mary?
I’ve seen this one a time or two or half a dozen. You’ve made it new. Well done!
Jeffrey, this is a Spanish galleon of a whole piece, laden with treasure! So beautifully written. I'm inspired to get myself up to the National Gallery asap
I love how you take us along every step of your interacting with Lamb. Also enjoyed the voice-over!
There is something deeply satisfying, as an artist, when someone takes the time to really read into your work. And think it’s cool that Lamb did it for the Titan piece and you’re doing it for his essay on it :)
Your essays always make me think about the way I consume and critically think about different types of work. Whether it's a painting or a television show It's always great to tackle art from multiple perspectives while also being open to others as well.
My goodness, over breakfast? You astound me, Mr. Streeter.
What a gorgeous reflection, Jeffrey. I also like to enter galleries unaided. But at the same time, certain prose helps me to see some hidden layers. What a beauty.
There's something immediately perceptible but impossible to define that makes a critique of a work of art (or literature etc) feel genuine, and I think that's why your response to Lamb (and ours, to you, in turn) is the real deal!
Art can have such a strong, visceral impact but often we need some enthusiasm and information to make it 'land' fully.
I am trying to share these types of experiences with art (surrealist art by women in particular) on my Substack and it's helped me to read this. At the same time, it has entertained and educated me!
I love this dive into myth, art, writing--it's a beautiful, meditative read. Thanks so much for sharing your following those threads of Ariadne's ;)
There is so much in this painting that is not seen at first glance. It was ages before I spotted drunken Silenus on his donkey, or saw the animal head on the floor and the animal limb being held aloft by one of the satyr followers. Bacchus' rituals involved the tearing apart of animals and his wild girls-the maenads-were dangerous and bloodthirsty indeed. There are those who see Bacchus delivering a perfect leg-break, but that's facetious. Jennifer Saint has written a brilliant retelling of Ariadne's story - from her minotaur brother and falling for Theseus, to her abandonment on Naxos and marriage to Dionysus (Bacchus), it's a terrific tale.
What I love most about that painting is the sense of movement - as if it’s a mad revelry frozen in time. ✨
Remarkable, revealing. I too see the painting anew. What a marvelous essay about Lamb and Titian.
Now, here's a splendid example of engaging a "text." A fruitful education to follow along with you, Jeffrey. Thanks.
Beautiful! Think I agree with your possible take on Gros' Ariadne... plotting her next move!