Carel Pietersz Fabritius, the most promising student of Rembrandt, famous for his painting “The Goldfinch,” died young at just 32 in 1654. He was killed in an explosion. (Not what you were expecting, right?) The city of Delft’s gunpowder magazine unexpectedly exploded, destroying about one-fourth of the city and killing Fabritius.
Dying young does not mean the end of a painter’s career – just look at Van Gogh. But unfortunately for Fabritius, most of his paintings were also destroyed in the explosion. Only about a dozen of his paintings survive today.
(Source: Wikipedia) photo source
11 comments:
Lovely, just lovely. Who knows what other works of art he might have created blessed as he was.
For years I just didn't see the chain he's held by. Changes whole meaning for this masterpiece.
Thank you, Rosemary, for the information you included with your posting of this most charming "The Goldfinch" painting! I look always look forward to the next 'Content in a Cottage' that you grace us with! Christmas blessings to you from Gael on Orcas Island, Washington.
I got to see The Goldfinch several years ago when it was part of a show at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art. Very impressive. Another show I attended that I liked very much featured Frida Kahlo and her husband Diego Rivera, probably her work more than his.
I remember hearing a little about this artist decades ago, in a college class, but have never seen this painting in its entirety. So beautiful, with many different interpretations. Rosemary, I always enjoy learning more, and I often learn from you!
Pam, I knew nothing about this painting or the artist. I am happy to hear you are interested in learning new things too.
xo, Rosemary
JudyMac -- You are so fortunate to have seen this painting in person, especially in view of its rarity.
xo, Rosemary
Gail, northern California -- His untimely death robbed the world of his future work and the explosion robbed us of almost all of his past work. I did not know he was a student of Rembrandt.
xo, Rosemary
MrsB -- The chain is so finely painted, I can see why you had not noticed it before. This painting is truly a masterpiece and has so many interpretations.
xo, Rosemary
GiGi on Orcas Island -- Christmas blessings to you too.
xo, Rosemary
I viewed this painting along with many of the Golden Age paintings at the beautiful Mauritius House Museum in The Hague, NL.
The curator chose to hang it quite high as the bird would have naturally been placed. It is beautiful and much attention has been bought to it by the book “The Goldfinch”.
The next room holds The Girl with the Pearl Earring.
The Netherlands is a treasure trove of museums and wonderful buildings and lovely people. I hope to return one day for another extended visit.
Regards and thank you for all your interesting posts.
J. In Canada
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