What's this Van Gogh?

When first I started my series of critiques of oil paintings the intention was to find "odd" or unusual paintings thereupon one can see the humourous side behind the unintended original reason for undertaking the painting itself.

Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd say, or write, without a shot or two of whisky. I'd better read it again and see if it makes sense to me. Hmmm ... yes it does. It means that at first I was trying to be a little funny about odd paintings like the nude woman in Manet's having a picnic with two fully dressed men.

But then I discovered more serious paintings like the beautiful Murillo I spoke of yesterday; and I asked you, my readers, (both of you), to suggest some "interesting" paintings for me to research. 

I am very grateful to Lulu  who suggested Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Now try as I might, I find it very difficult to say something funny about Van Gogh or this oil on canvas painted in June 1889.

The artist in question had a very difficult life and this particular painting shows the view from the east-facing window of the asylum room where Van Gogh was staying at the time after the ear cutting incident.

I HEAR YA - says one of the regular visitors to this Blog.

Basically, what happened is that on 23 December 1888 Van Gogh had a breakdown and self-mutilated his  left ear. He voluntarily admitted himself to a lunatic asylum, as they were called at the time, on 8 May 1889, where he set up a painting studio and painted this scene from his barred window.

As most of you know, Don McLean sang a beautiful song about this particular painting and this artist. Before I let you enjoy it, (the video is great, I assure you), please remember to suggest some more "odd/interesting" paintings for me to review in this series. Thank you Lulu.

Enjoy!