The Daily Painting: The Pale Complexion of True Love

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Pale Complexion of True Love

(click to enlarge)

Eleanor Fortescue Brickdale

(English, 1871-1945)

The Pale Complexion of True Love, 1899

Watercolor and bodycolor

The title is taken from Shakespeare's As You Like It, Act III, when Corin speaks of Silvius' unrequired love for Phebe as

a pageant truly play'd,
Between the pale complexion of true love
And the red glow of scorn and proud disdain

(Info from Pre Raphaelite Art blog.)

2 comments:

Cor MariaeAugust 27, 2010 at 1:44 PM
this painting is Hilarious! ;D ;D I Love her expression---and then the guy reminds me of mr collins. ;D
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R. A.August 29, 2010 at 9:36 PM
Mr. Collins?! LOL.
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Questions to ask about a painting

What is the subject of the painting? Does the title add to your understanding of the painting?

What's the main color scheme? Why do you think the artist chose these colors? How do they make you feel?

Where do you look first? What do your eyes follow around the painting? What seems most important in this painting?

Is the painting organized, or jumbled? Chaotic or peaceful?

Consider what it all might mean: What does the painting tell you? What is the artist trying to say about the subject matter? What feeling does the painting evoke? How did the painter achieve this effect?