Camille (1879 Monet)

Monet painted his first wife on her death bed in 1879. She died young and after a long illness

even in the throes
of death
her last breath
imminent
he took his brushes
a pallette of pales
and a canvas
to capture her ashen
features
those dry lips half
parted
it was natural he
said
to paint her before
she departed
in hues of shroud like
mourning veils

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

Your moving reflections on that superb painting are very like my birth family's remedy for death. Try, try and try to remember the beauty of life, the laughter shared.. rather than the tragedy of a person's pain and following> It's never easy but is more than likely, what the one gone from sight but not and never from heartm would have wanted, Tender thoughts and so typically you, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thank yous Em. Hope all is good with you. I think he wanted a loving tribute to his wife. He wanted her memory preserved and it has been, all these years later. Long after his own demise. It is a beautiful painting, albeit a sad one.

Chris

[emmajoygreen]

Isn't that often the way: beauty and sadness walking hand in hand - plus, too often when love is involved. Remembering how our little mum felt when she lost the love of her life.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Such sadness, whether natural or not, is painted in the minds of all who have lost a loved one. I suppose it quite natural to formulate it literally for the artist. Your poem expresses his grief almost as eloquently as his painting.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian for your thoughtful review. Pleased you stopped by. All the best.

Chris

[Andrew John]

You help us see some things that some of us don't at first see - well, I, anyway, because I'm not very bright! Thank you for this, Chris. Painting someone before that person's death. Quite a read, even though short.

[Chris Shaw]

I am touched that I can help anyone to see things that at first they might not see. I am not the brightest bulb myself:) Thank you for your lovely comment Andrew John.

Chris

[supernova_thoughts]

Beautiful how you can capture the essence of love and pain in your poems. It's magic to read.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you supernova. Your thoughts are really appreciated. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris

[supernova_thoughts]

You're welcome!

[Dave Brown]

to be forever remembered

[Chris Shaw]

Yes Dave, the painting has ensured that she has been remembered long after her death. Thanks for stopping by

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

A haunting poem dear Chris. Monet painted a memory. Death is never kind. Thank you for sharing the powerful and sad poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for stopping by. Pleased you enjoyed Camille. Yes, the portrait of her was haunting.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Chris and you are welcome.

[William Michael Reeves]

That was really powerful Chris. Writing about an event, especially as touching as this story, allows us to see shared history we wouldn't normally know. Definitely has me wanting to find a pic of the piece. Do you know the title?

[William Michael Reeves]

I just realized your title probably has the answer.

[MCS]

always a fan of his work and yours.

[Chris Shaw]

Aw, thank you so much for that nice comment. Enjoy the weekend. Pleased you stopped by.

read moreAw, thank you so much for that nice comment. Enjoy the weekend. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris

[red93]

This is excellent Chris and it is fantastic how your Writing is developing ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Pleased you enjoyed this poem Tony. Thank you for the very positive review.

Chris

[red93]

I really do feel you are breaking thru with the Free Verse Chris - so good to see you finding this new Realm in your Work.

[Chris Shaw]

I try to add some variety Tony. Learn new tricks :)

[Lisasview]

Another lovely poem to read of. Yours as I listen to the soft waves and hat are so close to me.
I live Mineta work.
I also love writing a poem after looking or at the same time looking at an old painting.
I just love that Monet painted his dear wife while she was dying….
I did this with Morhers Letter ( which you reviewed)

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Lisa from a very hot UK. Pleased you enjoyed this poem. I love art work as well as poetry. Many thanks for your lovely review. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[Lisasview]

Well, as I do think you already know art has been my life... In one way or another..

[Chris Shaw]

It has and you are fortunate to be so talented in both areas of art and poetry :)

[Lisasview]

Yes, that is exactly the way I feel...Although sometimes or actually most of the time I just feel there is no enough time for me to do everything...including piano practice!!

[Chris Shaw]

Never enough time for the things and people you love best

[Lisasview]

Hi Chris, I am in my art room..reorganising and cleaning... Such a huge job...
L

[Relic]

Even upon her dying last minutes he saw beauty amist the veils. There were no cell phones or camaras available back then, that's for sure. Words and paintings did the trick. I ever knew about the painting. I learn things here. 😊

[Chris Shaw]

Absolutely right Tim, no cameras in those days. Really appreciate your thoughts and your visit. Hope all is good with you.

Chris