“Teatime” by Moricz Goth brings the viewer onto an outside patio on what seems to be a beautiful afternoon. Sitting in the chair with a cup of tea in her hand is a woman who looks as if she has something on her mind. She becomes the main focal point of the painting. She is not directly in the center of the picture, but the man on the left, who seems to be some sort of a servant, creates a balance. Also, another balance that is created includes the two bushes on either side of the painting. In the background, the sky is a light blue color, which suggests it is a nice day.
This work of art presents the viewer with a scene of a wealthy woman enjoying an afternoon cup of tea. As she sits back in her chair, her posture seeming proper, she is looking down at her teacup. The teacup appears to be of fine china, which is a costly expense. Her clothing, though light in color, is long in length, which could also represent wealth. The shoes that encompass her feet are high-heeled and give the impression of costing a good amount of money. The presence of the standing servant in the background may also signify that the woman possesses a larger quantity of money.
As one sees this image, he or she cannot help but notice the look on the woman’s face. It seems as though she is perplexed about something going on in her life. This may be the reason why she is sitting alone. A possible reason for her bewilderment could be that being from a wealthy family may not be all it is cracked up to be. Furthermore, one may also notice the look on the servant’s face. It looks as if he is tired from a long day of work. Goth accomplishes portraying a wealthy woman possibly questioning if her life is as she wants.
I told him not to do such a thing as this. I told him that this was the way it must be. I do not have feelings for him any longer. Naturally, when someone says that, the other person will get mad. So yes, I expected him to be mad. And yes, I expected to break his heart.
We had been together for a long while, when I realized what was happening to my life. Henry had always been there for me, since we were children. And when he proposed to me last fall, I thought it would be better if I was with him for the rest of my life. My life would be set, and I would have everything, including safety. But that’s all it would be for: safety, security. It wouldn’t be what I really wanted.
As I sat in an expensively gold-plated chair, I wondered how I would tell Henry about how I felt. It felt as if the surrounding chandeliers were closing in, like they were suffocating me. And, of course, he was standing over my shoulder, which did not help matters much.
Finally, after my hesitation, I told Henry, “I truly am sorry. Honestly, I did not plan on this happening. Please believe me when I tell you this.”
“What do you mean, darling?” he asked me.
“What I am saying is…that I have fallen in love with another man.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Not too long ago, I met this man. I accidentally bumped into him when I was taking a walk one day. We began talking and…and laughing. It was the first time I had laughed in a very long while, I realized. We talked about so many things for two people who just met. I know it sounds strange, and I don’t know how it happened, but I fell for him. And he fell for me, too.”
“So you fell in love with him because he made you laugh? Is that what you are telling me?”
“No. I am telling you that I fell in love with him because I love who I am with him. I love how I don’t have to pretend while I am around him. He made me notice that I deserve so much more. We can’t have a marriage based on the fact that we grew up together and we know each other. Marriage has to be based on love and friendship and trust.”
“So you do not trust me, then?” he asked, confused.
“I used to. Lately, though, I have had my doubts on whether I can trust you.”
“Is that right? When was this?”
“A couple months ago. I heard you talking about me to someone on the phone. You said you didn’t want me to know something. You told the person to keep it a secret.”
“That was before we were engaged! I was telling them the surprise I had planned for you. Of course, I wouldn’t want you to find out about it!” he exclaimed.
I was silent at this point. I didn’t know what to say. It didn’t change my feelings for him, though. I still did not love him. I only loved what I could have with him. The nice clothing and the money.
“Clara…I love you. I have never done anything to hurt you. I wouldn’t even think of doing anything to hurt you. I love you with all of my heart. I have since we were both very young.”
“I know that. It’s just that…I don’t feel the same way anymore. I used to; please do not get me wrong. I did love you. I just don’t think it was enough. We will always be good friends, but I just think that’s all we can ever be.”
In the room, there was a silence. Our maid, Theresa, entered through the far door. “Excuse me, miss. Your mother needs to speak with you.”
“I’ll be right there.” She left the room, and I turned toward Henry. “I’ll be back in a minute.” He nodded. Leaving him standing there, I left the room.
* * *
As I walked back into the room, I saw him sitting there with his head down. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright.”
I looked down at my hands after I sat down next to him. “I am incredibly sorry about all of this. I know you must think I am a horrible person. And I know we will never completely be the same after this, but I hope it will be alright. And I hope that someday you can forgive me.”
“I suppose the wedding is off then. Well, I’m sure you will be happy. I’ll just be leaving now.”
“Henry—“
“No, Clara. No more talking, please. I’m just going to go. Goodbye.”
And then he walked out of the room. I did not say goodbye to him. I did not want to. In my heart, he would always be my friend. However, I knew I had hurt him very much. I did not know if he would ever truly forgive me, but at least I was honest with him. I couldn’t lie to him anymore. Being true to myself was the only way for me to be happy.
I have decided to explore the concept of wealth because I feel it is unique. I think it might be something that not a lot of people look into when they think of paintings. I intend to learn a lot about different kinds of wealth. It could be people who are/were wealthy and the aspects that make them. Or it could be things in history that were worth a lot of money.
Hyacinthe Rigaud’s painting of King Louis XIV gives the viewer a chance to see what wealth looked like back in eighteenth century France. The eyes wander to Louis XIV himself, who becomes the focal point of the painting. Because he is positioned in the middle of the image, it creates a balance. The background shows a big column on the left side, as well as reddish orange drapes. There is also a chair with the same color fabric as his clothing. The foreground of the painting consists of a rug with what looks like vines and leaves.
To the left of Louis XIV, the viewer sees a footstool that also has the same fabric as his clothing. On the footstool lies a gold crown. The blue colors of his clothing suggest he was rather wealthy because buying dark dye in those times was extremely expensive. The same goes for his long, black wig, which must have cost more than the blue dye. Inside of his coat, there is a sword that looks like it has a gold cover.
Other wealthy aspects of what he is wearing in the picture are the tights and the shoes. The viewer may notice Louis XIV’s face in this painting. It is not exactly a smile, but it is not a frown either. The viewer might consider different possibilities of things he might have been thinking when this was being done. He could be looking serious, or he could also be looking slightly sad because of his drooping eyes. However the viewer perceives this painting, Rigaud certainly explores the different aspects that made Louis XIV a wealthy king.
The painting “Two Paths” by Brett Gamache brings the viewer into a peaceful woods setting with a road alongside a lonely shack. This becomes the focal point of the painting, as the two paths on the outside create a balance. In the background of the picture, blue sky appears above the trees, creating a calm mood. The colors of green and brown suggest it is a nice summer day. Mountains are in view over the path on the left. The path along the right side, however, seems to lead deeper into the woods.
The painting instantly gives the viewer two choices. The path on the left goes off to the mountains and clear sky. The path on the right heads further into the wood. It could mean that one must make a decision about something weighing on his or her mind. Or it could simply be a fork in the road on a serene walk through the forest. This could all depend on the viewer’s own perspective of the painting, leaving possibilities endless.
As the viewer takes in the scene, he or she considers the possible narratives and feels a cool breeze flow through the trees. The viewer notices the composition of the painting and feels secure and safe within the scene presented. The viewer may also be curious about the intention of Gamache, whether it is to present a challenge of decision or something completely different. However it is viewed, Gamache succeeds in making a tranquil setting carry several meaningful purposes.
I am Rachel. This is my blog. I made it for my Writing and Visual Imagination class. My concept is wealth. My writing will be here about paintings. Critiques, short stories, etc. After the class, I guess it will just be things that I have chosen to write about. These things may be short stories or journal entries...or whatever.
I am a very picky eater. I like the color green. I have three cats (Amber, Sweetie, and Gordon) and one dog (Cassie). I have an older brother. I am in college at FSU!! And I like cheddar cheese. Ooh, and chocolate. Sometimes I can be random, just sayin'.
