The Still-Life collection

The most interesting fact about paintings is that they tell their own stories. You can almost associate one with so many things by creating your own interpretations and illustrations in any way you want to. Preparing yourself for an artistic frenzy to many of the finest collections will absolutely change your mind on the way you view paintings dating back to 1250. I only had one whole afternoon to spare at The National Gallery at London’s Trafalgar Square, but along with thousands of paintings on display, there were only five in particular that I thought stood out among the rest.

The first painting is Leonardo da Vinci’s work of art entitled “The Virgin of the Rocks” (The Virgin with the infant St. John the Baptist adoring the Infant Christ accompanied by an Angel). This work of art framed such a dramatic entrance, which enhances the perspective of an elaborate oil painting where it could have been linked to Leonardo da Vinci’s native Florence, Italy. I think that the most significant part of the painting is where the Virgin holds out her hand above the Infant Christ indicating that religion is very powerful.

“Sunflowers” 1888, by Vincent Van Gogh is clearly an idea of symphony associated with hope and friendship because this is what shapes most of our identities. I think that because the color yellow is an optimistically attractive color but can also be overpowering if over-used, it still enhances the idea of sunflowers as a symbol of gratitude. This piece is such a famous work of art that there are so many replicas that are distributed worldwide.

The third one is entitled “The Ambassadors” by Hans Holbein painted in 1533 using oil on oak. By understanding the way the two men are dressed and what objects they have displayed on the shelves suggests two wealthy and educated men. This is one of my favorite paintings although there is still that background mystery on why a distorted image of a skull is in the bottom centre of the painting. Look closely and you will see a picture of Jesus on the cross behind the curtain. My interpretation to this painting is that it could only be symbolic to the painter himself.

The fourth painting is known as “The Wilton Diptych” painted by an unknown English or French artist, an example of a very religious painting using egg tempera on oak where the figures could realistically seem as if they leap out of the frame. Lastly, my fifth favorite is another one of Vincent Van Gogh’s piece entitled “Van Gogh’s Chair” because it gave me a great feeling of space and movement where simplicity is present.

What most impressed me is that the quality of each piece is so complex that it is usually associated with the artists’ personalities.