I am thoroughly fascinated by this painting! Like so many others, I first saw it in the film I Loved You So Long (2008) and it has haunted me ever since. Since I am often consumed with thoughts of loss and sorrow, I guess it rather makes sense. They are feelings that I consistently feel and fight.
Originally titled La Douleur (translated as pain in the film) it was painted by Emile Friant in 1889. The painting is not about the movie and the movie is not about the painting. Of Course, that sounds just like a French film, right? However, it was used briefly in the movie to great effect as perfect metaphor for the sadness reflected by a few of the film's characters.
Here, in the city of the dead, the men remove themselves to commiserate in stoic and private grief while the raw and barely restrained emotion of the widows in black is as dark and deep as the grave.
Might you share with us your feelings of loss and sadness? I have suffered a couple clinical depressions during my life and can relate to the struggle when brain chemistry will NOT cooperate. Hope you are doing well.
Posted by: ed cookman, way2ec | November 22, 2011 at 01:32 AM
Ed, my Prince what can I say. I don't know you but am sorry you had to suffer. It truly bothers me and I wish I knew what to say or do for a brutha prince to make him feel better. Loss is an ass-kicker, and I'm just now grieving for ones that I loss years ago because my circumstances at the time didn't allow me to grieve like I should have at that time. Now it all comes down on me spontaneously & without warning. So, my Prince, I don't know you and you don't know me, but I got you!
Posted by: Greg | November 22, 2011 at 06:14 PM
Dear Greg, thank you for the warmth that is shining through your post. I'm sure that Corey will appreciate that it is through his blog that we share. One of the aspects of depression that is quite a positive one, is the fact that the depression sort of shuts us down. You use the expression "didn't allow me to grieve like I should have at that time." I've discovered that the delay in coming to terms with our losses can be for the good, that I couldn't have dealt with it then, it may have totally overwhelmed me, and that now, I can process it better, or more safely. Glad to know Greg that you've got me, may I say that you've got me good!
Posted by: ed cookman, way2ec | November 24, 2011 at 12:30 AM
Yes, I DO appreciate you two spreading love and support of each other on my blog! I'd really like to see more of that because it's beautiful. Thank God for you two.
Posted by: Corey | November 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM