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The Interior - Edgar Degas

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The Interior - Edgar Degas

04.26.04 (7:41 pm) [edit]

Last week I had the opportunity to spend some time at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. While there, I ran across the following painting by Edgar Degas. (For those of you who are unfamiliar with Degas, he is most often associated with images of dancers in a variety of mediums including oils, pastels and even sculpture -- originally in wax, but later cast in bronze). This one struck me not only because of its seeming departure for the artist, but also because of the intimacy that it captures.

=http://img23.photobucket.com/...

Of course, the image here does not do justice to the original... but I absolutely love the way Degas has captured this quiet, intimate moment between a man and a woman. In the original, much of the room is so dark, that it is difficult to pick out the details of the furniture, etc. The light from the table lamp illuminates primarily the figure of the woman, who seems to be in a state of dress, or undress. The man at the door, like us, is but a silent observer.

Since I got back, this image has stuck with me. Part of it must be because of the voyueristic nature of the painting, but I think another part of it is because it captures something so simple and yet so private and guarded as well. Of course, (and this is the point where some of you will just shake your heads) it reminded me of the magic that happens when certain songs do the same thing. You know that feeling... when you hear a song and it seems as though it was written about you and for you... as though the artist took a piece of your life and mapped it out in words. These are the songs that stab you in the gut and twist the knife in the most deliciously personal way. We all lay claim to certain songs that seem to capture who we are.... our interiors, if you will.

It might be a lot to ask that you share some of yours... because in doing so, you, by default, expose a bit of yourself. But I'll show you mine, if you show me yours.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.26.04 (4:49 pm)

Reply to: KRAZEDONE

Um... if that's his son, we're all in trouble.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.26.04 (5:24 pm)

Reply to: KRAZEDONE

she is a woman... he is looking on.

posted by: 5ndime (reply)
post date: 04.26.04 (8:10 pm)

i can't say that i 'like' art but, i must admit i feel drawn to the painting as well. i think it's the darkness of it for me. but also the implications such a 'silent observer' why would the painter, paint that? this is what draw me to it, the painters mindframe.

great blog! thanks for the think.

posted by: olygirl71 (reply)
post date: 04.26.04 (10:27 pm)

Did you notice that nobody has answered your request?

I guess I'll start. Actually, I have had a few songs that have made me wonder, "what the hell, was she/he talking about me?" Especially during the time of a rough divorce... "A Broken Wing" Martina McBride--I know, I know....ahhhhhgggg COUNTRY!!! But the lyrics fit my situation so closely, it was hard for me to ignore. For those who know the song, I finally am flying, and it's great!!

Any other gutsy people out there?

posted by: chicalookate (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (4:32 am)

Depeche Modes' "Somebody" got played a lot when I was in my depressed teenage years. When I hear it 15 years later it still reminds me of that time. Also heraring Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" had me in tears. There are a lot more songs I could mention, as always, but these 2 came to mind first.

posted by: suanie (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (10:00 am)

it's a beautiful insightful piece. speaks of appreciation and untold wonders that is to come. a woman's back is often the most sensual thing to behold.

posted by: just another guy now (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (1:02 pm)

depechemode was some great teen depressed music. Somebody and It doesn't matter were my favorites from that period in my life. Sad songs and crushed hearts. Oh how some things never change

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (1:31 pm)

Reply to: olygirl71

Honestly, I think some people gave up after they saw the painting. They read the first paragraph and thought "ok.... she's talking about art. I'm outta here!" :) Thank goodness I can count on YOU to read all the way through... my darling, my compadre-extradorinaire, my lizzard. :)

I don't know the song you speak of, but knowing your situation, I'm sure it's a story of triumph over tyranny. You go girl!

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (1:32 pm)

Reply to: chicalookate

Somebody was the perfect song for lonely teenage girls (boys) dreaming of that perfect love. Plus, the vocals in that song added to the feeling of longing. Great pick. I agree with the Johnny Cash song too. Thanks for the comment! :)

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (1:33 pm)

Reply to: suanie

I thought it was a deeply intimate painting, and I loved having a glimpse into such a personal moment.

Thanks for the comment!

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 04.27.04 (1:34 pm)

Reply to: just

I have to agree... god knows you're still leaving crushed hearts in your wake. :)

posted by: billlyryan (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (7:04 pm)

Oh I have SOOO much to add!!!!!

You know, when I was 15 I found this book of painting by Monet. I'm very passionate about books. I like the way they smell, the way they feel...and this one book, I slept with for years. Three years at least. I was fifteen and I went to every art gallery I could find in Anchorage. Not many to choose from, but I must've fallen in love a hundred times with everything I saw.
As far as the songs are concerned, I will think about this...

I'm reading through all your posts and taking my time. It's like reading a great book.

posted by: juniperflux (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (7:16 pm)

Reply to: billlyryan

I cannot bear to go back and look through them. Perhaps I need to go on a deleting rampage too! :)

posted by: billlyryan (reply)
post date: 02.23.05 (7:33 pm)

Reply to: juniperflux
NOOOOOO!!!!!! Only ONE of us is supposed to do that remember???!!!