Monday, April 20, 2009

Emile Friant


I just finished watching the film "I've Loved You So Long" (2008). Despite the fact that it is subtitled and never approaches the speed limit, I have to admit it was pretty good. It featured the painting above, so I was (of course) compelled to look it up. By French painter Émile Friant (1863-1932), it is titled "La Douleur" ("Pain"), and a study for it may be seen here. Friant's naturalistic style - with the focus on photorealistic faces - was celebrated during his lifetime and he was much sought after to paint portraits. But as was said in the film, he has largely been forgotten.

8 comments:

  1. I have just finished watching "I'ved Loved You So Long" and was also drawn to looking up this fantastic painting.The film was so moving and to me it teaches you to never judge someone because they have been to prison.You never know the whole story,even if you think they are guilty because the court has passed judgement on them.It is so sad this painter has been forgotten,but at least through this film he has been brought out of the darkness into the light!

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  2. The same as I. How beautiful. I cried to see it. I want to know more.

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  3. Beautiful and moving film. Only God knows the whole story of our lives, and only God will judge at the last day. As I write this, I wonder how many poor souls sit in prison, either in or outside the metal bars put there by man.

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  4. My newest novel is just out, "The Man With the Easel of Horn---The Life and Works of Émile Friant." I was inspired by the movie "I've Loved You So Long," and had to do a lot of research in order to get the facts on Friant's life and his paintings.Very little is written on Émile Friant. The book is published by Llumina Press. Norman Beaupré, author

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  5. I am watching the film now and had to pause it to google the artist because I was so taken by this painting.
    It really does represent its title, it ia a shame the his work isnt particularly well know today.

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  6. I have just finished watching "I'ved Loved You So Long" although a little later than most and I too was drawn to looking up this fantastic painting. Thank goodness for Google. The film was compelling and keeps you hooked until the very end. The beauty of 'film' is that people are never really forgotten and the ones that are, like Friant, can be resurrected through their brilliant work.

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  7. The saddest part of"Ive Loved You So Long" is one way or another we,ve all felt the severity of the pain........... I too paused to Google Friant his work truly beautiful.

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  8. I'm afraid I have an issue with Kristin Scott-Thomas and yes, I did start watching the film and like the other comments here I was beguiled by the painting.Really wonderful. It captures the anguish of loss so explicitly. The graveside is like the edge of a caldera or a shell hole, it's gaping chasm a final expletive against the enduring qualities of love and loss.I will cover his work for disabled travel at;candidplanet.wordpress.com

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