The painters Wife

[Zerg Rush]

The title invariably reminds me of a famous poem by Jean de Lafontain, which was even portrayed by various painters, like this oil, which we can admire in the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg

The Pack-Saddle

 

A FAMOUS painter, jealous of his wife;
Whose charms he valued more than fame or life,
When going on a journey used his art,
To paint an ASS upon a certain part,
(Umbilical, 'tis said) and like a seal:
Impressive token, nothing thence to steal.

A BROTHER brush, enamoured of the dame;
Now took advantage, and declared his flame:
The Ass effaced, but God knows how 'twas done;
Another soon howe'er he had begun,
And finished well, upon the very spot;
In painting, few more praises ever got;
But want of recollection made him place
A saddle, where before he none could trace.

 

THE husband, when returned, desired to look
At what he drew, when leave he lately took.
Yes, see my dear, the wily wife replied,
The Ass is witness, faithful I abide.
Zounds! said the painter, when he got a sight,—
What!—you'd persuade me ev'ry thing is right?
I wish the witness you display so well,
And him who saddled it, were both in Hell.

 

https://internetpoem.com/jean-de-la-fontaine/the-pack-saddle-poem/

Edited June 16, 2021 by Zerg Rush

[Cecil of Cynope]

The translation of the poem is top notch: it's longer than the original poem, that I discovered thanks to you Zerg Rush, but it perfectly conveys its meaning, a truly work of art

[MavrodiyEmpala]

Oh my god, what a beautiful picture and the poem is just a masterpiece. She very accurately conveys emotions and everything that happens in the picture. This is very intersting. Once upon a time, my art teacher sent me this article by influential artists where I found out that the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel show parts of the human brain. That is, Mikilagdzhelo encrypted his hidden message in it. It's so magical and mysterious. It's amazing what else can be encrypted in famous paintings.

Edited February 15, 2022 by MavrodiyEmpala