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If you could own any painting or work of art. What would it be?

(124 Posts)
HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 18:11:08

I have shamelessly stolen this thread from Mumsnet and have spent the last hour looking at their choices and reading some lovely stories of why.

A wonderful gentle thread.

I cannot choose between any of the works by the Scottish Colourists. I watched a documentary by Michael Palin about 20 years ago and fell in love with the 4 of them then..
But if my life depended on choosing it would be Iona by Peploe. I could lay on that beach for hours.
If you read the Mumsnet thread look out for the work in marble of The Bride by Raffaele Monti. Amazing.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:45:48

NotSpaghetti that picture was discussed on a series of programmes about American art. I think on SkyArts. The male presenter had maybe a Polish name. It was several years ago. I must see if I can find it again and rewatch. I wish my memory was better.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:40:22

I love it J52. So peaceful. It has the same stillness and simplicity as the Peploe painting of Iona which was my choice at the beginning.

NotSpaghetti Sat 11-Apr-26 20:32:20

I would also love to have American Gothic by Grant Wood. I have loved this since I first found it aged 15.
It is so full of expression yet seemingly blank.

We lived in Iowa for a while and it just feels perfect!

Retread Sat 11-Apr-26 20:30:53

Fallingstar

Also Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio. His use of darkness and light is remarkable

Fallingstar my favourite Caravaggio is The Supper at Emmaus:

www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/michelangelo-merisi-da-caravaggio-the-supper-at-emmaus

So that’s my choice. 😊

J52 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:27:18

Fallingstar

Also Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio. His use of darkness and light is remarkable

I was fortunate to see a Caravaggio exhibition in Florence some years ago. His paintings are mesmerising.

NotSpaghetti Sat 11-Apr-26 20:25:46

Would like a Wilf Roberts. And small enough for most homes.
Truly evocative of places I love.

Maybe Ty Newedd?

I should really save up for one.

J52 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:24:57

Hope this works

J52 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:24:02

HelterSkelter1

One of the choices on Mumsnet was Van Gogh's Irises which I see was painted in the asylum. Such stunning colours. Thats what I loved about the Scottish Colourists. The body of their work painted in the south of France..
What was the name of your family friend J52? If you don't mind telling me.

David Sassoon 1888- 1978. I’ll post a photo a painting, not particularly one of the best known artists, but nevertheless recognised.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:19:54

Thank you for all your replies. I look forward to viewing them tomorrow and reading about the artists. My homework for the weekend.

Magenta8 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:19:01

'Surprised' by Henri Rousseau or 'Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy' by David Hockney.

No particular reasons really I just like them.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:12:29

Cardamom. AI says it is set in Cancale and they are all knitting blue jerseys for their fishermen husbands. Hmmm it does look more like a chicken. Her name is Desiree apparently.

NotSpaghetti Sat 11-Apr-26 20:10:09

I would love the "Six Prayers" by Anni Albers. Woven in the 1960s.
...but wouldn't want to deprive the Jewish museum of it's quiet beauty. Such a profound tribute in my mind.

Here's some info

collections.thejewishmuseum.org/collection/16696-six-prayers?hl=en-GB

Fallingstar Sat 11-Apr-26 20:09:41

Georgesgran

The Penitent. She’s in the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle.
I wouldn’t turn down a JMWTurner.

Love this ✅

grannysyb Sat 11-Apr-26 20:09:02

I haven't got room for either, but Whistlejacket by Stubbs or La Pieta by Michelangelo in the Vatican, I cried when I saw it.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 20:05:43

One of the choices on Mumsnet was Van Gogh's Irises which I see was painted in the asylum. Such stunning colours. Thats what I loved about the Scottish Colourists. The body of their work painted in the south of France..
What was the name of your family friend J52? If you don't mind telling me.

Fallingstar Sat 11-Apr-26 20:04:17

Also Doubting Thomas by Caravaggio. His use of darkness and light is remarkable

Esmay Sat 11-Apr-26 20:02:59

HelterSkelter -haven't read the original post on Mumsnet .
Interesting that it's popular with Mumsnet .
I love the simplicity of it and the innocence of childhood.

Cardamom Sat 11-Apr-26 19:57:38

I don't think so HelterSkelter; but I've looked at her so many times and wondered myself; at first I thought that she was maybe plucking a chicken but that doesn’t explain what the stick in her right hand is for. I always get a feeling of her sadness and loneliness about her; she's surrounded by other women, chatting and making lace, but she stands alone. I get an air of isolation about her. If you're ever in Liverpool, you can see her in the Walker Gallery.

J52 Sat 11-Apr-26 19:56:50

HelterSkelter1

I have shamelessly stolen this thread from Mumsnet and have spent the last hour looking at their choices and reading some lovely stories of why.

A wonderful gentle thread.

I cannot choose between any of the works by the Scottish Colourists. I watched a documentary by Michael Palin about 20 years ago and fell in love with the 4 of them then..
But if my life depended on choosing it would be Iona by Peploe. I could lay on that beach for hours.
If you read the Mumsnet thread look out for the work in marble of The Bride by Raffaele Monti. Amazing.

I love the Scottish colourists, we have several by a lesser known one who was a family friend.
My own choices are also anything by David Hockney or one of the less well known Van Gough’s painted when he was in the Saint- Rémy asylum.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Apr-26 19:54:21

Cezanne is another favourite. I have a print of Lake Annecy in the hall.

Whitewavemark2 Sat 11-Apr-26 19:50:55

One of the later David Hockneys, particularly the countryside and forest path paintings.

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 19:47:21

Sorry that was a comment about The Street in Brittany.

Esmay many on Mumsnet loved the Singer Sargent and the warmth of the lanterns. And I love it too now.

Cossy Sat 11-Apr-26 19:44:56

Oreo

Pretty much anything by Monet.

Me too!

HelterSkelter1 Sat 11-Apr-26 19:44:55

Is she knitting.? Its a ovely painting. Very Cornish. I love his Newlyn paintings. Her shiny sabots.
I don't know Brittany, but would love to go there.

Esmay Sat 11-Apr-26 19:43:01

Hard choice .
I'm very fond of -
Carnation ,Lily,Lily ,Rose by Singer Sargent