The overall blue-ish tone of the painting, which I now learnt is due to the faded yellow lake pigment, gives an eerie look to the plants, almost a bit cadaveric, which brings me immediately to think about the memento mori. I find the choice of flowers also quite interesting in their symbolism, especially the passion fruit flower, the poppies and the tulips of the “semper Augustus” type. Still lives and flower paintings can often be overlooked, I love how you’ve turned this one into a fascinating story, a good reminder that every work of art deserves a proper look!
I would love it to be true, but I don't think there's much convincing evidence that Shelley was aware of Dippel specifically and his connection to Castle Frankenstein (there is no Castle Frankenstein in the book). She visited the area in 1814 and again in 1840 (after she'd written Frankenstein) but in her writings she doesn't mention the castle (she may or may not have visited), nor is there any indication that the place was meaningful to her creatively. Whether or not it's true though I think it's such an interesting connection.
No I haven't read the Goldfinch, but I have a copy- it's on the list!
The overall blue-ish tone of the painting, which I now learnt is due to the faded yellow lake pigment, gives an eerie look to the plants, almost a bit cadaveric, which brings me immediately to think about the memento mori. I find the choice of flowers also quite interesting in their symbolism, especially the passion fruit flower, the poppies and the tulips of the “semper Augustus” type. Still lives and flower paintings can often be overlooked, I love how you’ve turned this one into a fascinating story, a good reminder that every work of art deserves a proper look!
Love this! 🙂
I’m curious to know, what makes you think it doubtful that Doctor Frankenstein was based on Dippel?
Also, have you read Donna Tartt’s, ‘The Goldfinch’? I may be wrong, but I think you may like it 🙂
Thank you!
I would love it to be true, but I don't think there's much convincing evidence that Shelley was aware of Dippel specifically and his connection to Castle Frankenstein (there is no Castle Frankenstein in the book). She visited the area in 1814 and again in 1840 (after she'd written Frankenstein) but in her writings she doesn't mention the castle (she may or may not have visited), nor is there any indication that the place was meaningful to her creatively. Whether or not it's true though I think it's such an interesting connection.
No I haven't read the Goldfinch, but I have a copy- it's on the list!
You’re most welcome.
Me too.
Thank you very much for the thorough reply 🙂
It really is an interesting connection, and an interesting coincidence (if they’re not linked).
Excellent!
There’re some pieces about art (and other things) on my Substack, if you get chance to take a look 🙂
https://open.substack.com/pub/walkingdownthehighway