Friday, May 23, 2014
Kesu Das, India c, 1585
Paper, gouache, gold
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
The elephant and rider rest in the shade of a tree. The animal's legs are chained together to prevent sudden movements. The miniaturist Kesu Das was active in the workshop of the Mughal emperor Akbar. He was a master in the rendering of light on fabric.
Information from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Farm Cottage (Boerderij)
Auvers-sur-Oise (1890)
Vincent van Gogh (1853 - 1890)
Van Gogh spent the last two months of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, where he hoped to recuperate from his psychiatric problems. In that short period he was inspired by the beautiful rural countryside to make nearly a painting a day. He enthusiastically wrote to his brother, Theo, and his sister-in-law, Jo: 'Auvers is truly beautiful - among other things many old thatched roofs, which are becoming rare'.
Information from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Sunday, May 04, 2014
Ganesha, anonymous, c. 1600 - c. 1699
Ganesha, 'who brings success', is one of the most popular Hindu gods and
the first to be greeted when entering a temple. Ganesha is always
invoked at the start of an enterprise, when beginning a journey for
example, or starting a business. He is holding a sweet to symbolise his
enormous appetite, and also good fortune. The rat by his right foot is
his mount.
(Information from Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)
