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.

[Alan S Jeeves]

Camille Monet sur son lit de mort.
I am not sure that this was the correct thing of Monet to do Chris. I can understand writing a poem about her but a physical image in these circumstances is a different thing.
I think that Camille had a difficult life with the artist, dying at only 32, having been abandoned penniless (and with their child) by him more than once. Most of their time 'together' would have been spent dodging creditors (which Monet would have expert at). Claude Monet went on to survive her by some 47 years, dying in the same year as our Queen Elizabeth II was born, more years the Camille's short whole life.
Nevertheless it IS right that writer's such as yourself should, from time to time, remember her and I do respect your choice of subject in this important piece.

Kind regards, Alan

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Alan for your interesting share. To be honest I didn't focus on whether it was a decent thing for Monet to do or not. I was drawn however to the painting because of its quiet, soft beauty. From what you have written Camille had a rough deal. I am happy that I have remembered her because he painted her many times, and she clearly played a significant part in his life and bore him two sons. I am thrilled that you have called on this poem and furnished me with more information. Thank you.

Chris

[Alan S Jeeves]

You did well.
Kind Regards, Alan

[Vertigo Cat1111]

Wow. This poem almost leaves me speechless, this is truly one of your best pieces I believe. It just flowed perfectly, ends perfectly, the rhymes are amazing and clean. It just clicks. ‘In hues of shroud like mourning veils.’ This is so intensely inspiring, and I long to write with this much finesse one day. Thank you so much for sharing.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Vertigo Cat, I thank you for your very encouraging thoughts on this piece, which has generated quite a bit of discussion all round. Your visit appreciated.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

All I can say is I love this. One of your best works,

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Dale. I am so pleased you like this one. I was really moved by the delicate brush strokes and the ashen colours Monet used. All best wishes.

Chris