March 04, 2013

Windows with a View

A home pleases me when it has a view! It is important that a house or apartment looks appealing from outside. First impression is important. So is the entrance. But I realized, what I like most, is the view from inside out of a home. It doesn't have to be Manhattan's skyline, or the Tour Eiffel. It could be the neighbour's lush green gardens and some old tree. And of course, sea view is one of the best views!

When inside, the window is our connection to the outside world.

Henri Matisse, the impressionist, painted lots of interiors. Very often there is a window with a view in his paintings. Recently, I came across Pierre Bonnard, a post-impressionist painter. When I researched his paintings (thanks to google images) I realized he must have known Matisse. He painted similar windows with a view! And indeed they were friends, they were even part of the same group (Les Nabis) and inspired each other.

Artists have always been inspired by windows with a view:



Pierre Bonnard 1919



Henri Matisse 1918
  



Henri Matisse 1919



Raoul Dufy 1928



Pablo Picasso 1957

  

Pierre Bonnard 1921



David Hockney 1970
"Window, Grand Hotel, Vittel", lithograph



David Hockney 2010


And last but not least:


Palazzo Pizzo with new shades, summer 2012


4 comments:

  1. Fabulous windows Suzie...each and every one. I think your view is the best of all... :)

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    1. Thank you Jeanne!
      I think so too - as it is real. Did you see, our view is quiet similar to the first Bonnard painting?

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  2. Hello Suzie:
    We are always intrigued by paintings which show views through windows or doors. This is a wonderful collection which you show here. Hockney and Matisse being particularly favourite artists of ours.

    Thank you for adding your name as a Follower to our blog. We have returned the compliment.

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    1. Dear Jane and Lance,

      it is always a pleasure to read your inspiring posts.

      With Hockney I am especially impressed how he uses the ipad to create beautiful drawings.

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