I first saw this painting in the National Gallery in Washington, DC when I was in High School and was mesmerized by it (and by the other 2 in the series). It was breathtaking to view in person, and the symbolism was so apt, even to my inexperienced eyes.
He is secure in his delight at the lush vegetation within the boat and the serene landscape that surrounds him, unaware of the hourglass carried by the golden angelic figurehead representing the inevitable passage of time.
Thanks for the Cole image.
ReplyDeleteIt has remarkable symbolism. I have a couple teen boys and the struggle to keep them safe in today's culture is wearisome and overwhelming at times. The Cole image is wonderful but... sadly a bit naive. I wonder how he'd paint the subject matter today?
Good point. Childhood was so often seen as a tabula rassa and all that. I think the image fits better when seen with the other two (Youth and Old Age), which, I plan to use for the next 2 Art and Beauty Tuesdays.
ReplyDeleteTo me, its not so much that childhood is complete innocence, but, that compared to Youth and Old Age, we tend to view it that way.
Also, there is the idea that at childhood, we are so full of promise that inevitably fades as time goes on.
Interesting pictures. Dark and bright at the same time. I think you did an excellent job giving your analysis of them. I didn't even notice the hour glass, until after I read your description.
ReplyDeleteOh, Dymphna, this is beautiful! I was just thinking about my angel today during Mass, and I thanked Him for helping me time and time again. Your post also brought to mind the words which I now live by: "Unless you become as little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of Heaven." By God's grace, I am becoming myself once again, each day closer to the child I used to be: and it is a wondrous thing.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting analysis, TAC. The light comes from the angel and much of the rest is in semi-darkness. Actually, I didn't notice the hour glass either, until I read someone else's analysis of it! I'm glad I could find a detail of the original picture.
ReplyDeleteThat's a neat take on it, Kindred. Becoming like little children in your heart. It can be tough to sustain that without God's help.
Beautiful artwork. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
ReplyDeleteI love your "Art and Beauty Tuesday" meme and look forward to learning something new each week. The painting is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAh, for the halcyon days of childhood. And yes, they end all too quickly. (How naive I was at the time to be so anxious to "grow up"!) It is a wonderful painting. Thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteEvan
Thanks, Barbara and Evanscove.
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