This Apocalyptic Painting Is Painfully Beautiful
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มี.ค. 2023
- This piece is called The Last Day of Pompeii by Karl Bryullov. It was the artist's attempt to make a name for himself in the art world. A painting that took around 5 years to make. A painting that ended up being his greatest masterpiece. A painting that feels so real and emotional, it’s almost like the artist experienced that day himself.
Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, burying the city of Pompeii under a layer of ash. And after this, Pompeii was forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered in the mid-1700s. When the artist visited the city, he was inspired to make a painting depicting that tragic day. This piece is so chilling to me because it shows the incredible force of nature next to the powerlessness of humans to do anything about it. Yet Bryulllov carefully tells a story with each person, reminding us that they weren’t just a statistic. This painting is a testament to how much the this event impacted the artist. Karl Bryuvoll became a celebrity overnight with this painting and (almost) everyone loved it. Thank you for watching!
#arthistory #art #classicart #fineart
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Hello everyone! I apologize in advance if my voice sounds a bit raspy in the video. I caught a cold in the middle of creating it. That’s also why it took me a bit longer to upload but thank you for being patient with me! What would you like to see me cover next???
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Philadelphia USA 🇺🇲 AMEN ☦️🙏😇❤️
Could you talk about Ophelia, painted by Sir John Everett Millais? I think it is a beautiful painting and the story behind it is just as beautiful. I would love for other people to see it.
I wish you a speedy and complete recovery.
Something by Georg von Rosen would be cool beans?
How about John Singer Sargent’s Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose?
"The critics were brutal. Saying it was too dramatic..."
I mean, yeah. If you and a whole village with loved ones suddenly faced certain death with little hope of surviving in what would be a painful end - I'd say it would be VERY dramatic.
I think the issue with some art is drama isn't important enough! Drama can sometimes really make or break a piece.
Did they expect a tea party or something? 😂
@@WhiteStripesStripiestFan Well lots of them were slurping coffee when the Germans invaded in WW2 so yeah sounds about French.
Reminds me of a time when someone told me a character in a movie was being a drama queen because she was still grieving the death of her entire family six months after it had happened.
Yeah. What are they expecting? "Oh my lovey! It appears we're going to be destroyed. What a bother." ?
I love that he included Pliny the Younger and his mother in the painting! It's so easy to see the romans as just brutal and callous, when they too were people who loved their families so much that they were willing to risk their own lives to save theirs. I'm so glad they both survived
Its amazing to me that they did!! How did they do it?
Except, they weren't in Pompeii, they were across the Bay in Misenum. Which got some ash rain and earthquakes, but nothing like Pompeii and Herculaneum which were wiped out.
@Michael Hoffmann yeah I was looking for this. We translated portions of his writing while I was taking Latin, and that was one of the other pieces we learned - it was largely speculation given where he was located
His uncle Pliny the Elder didn't do as well, being overwhelmed trying to help some people and being too close to the fumes.
Yeah Pliny the Younger was fine, Pliny the Elder died here.
As a French guy, it always cracks me up to see how 90% of the amazing works of art you explain here are, at a moment or another, presented to the French who just go : “Meh”. This is so typical of our behaviour.
Regarding the white horse, I think it is commonly considered as a symbol of doom and death (maybe because it’s the horse of Death in Apocalipsis) so that could explain its presence in the painting.
tbh lots of paintings were considered meh by people who lived in the past and only later people really started to appreciate them
@@sweetbunnybun Thanks for your kind words. But let's be honest : we are particularly hard to please.
@@nealheder I admire that about the French. I wish we English were a bit more like that sometimes.
You know that a piece, whether art or music is good when parisians disapprove of it
That's very interesting. I thought that the French loved art. Fine art is one of the many things that I associate with France.
6:46 I love the expression that Bryullov gave himself. While there is still energy in his face, he seems quite passive. In fact, he seems to be almost casually observing his surroundings, as if studying the scene from his place in a far-removed time, while the people around him panic. Reminds me of that one episode of Loki, where they go back in time to Pompeii and can walk around in modern clothes and break anything they want without causing any changes to the future because nothing - and no one - will survive to effect it.
I love this observation!!
The painting looks even more terrifying in the museum. You can't take your eyes of it, it is mesmerising and frightening. Besides, it's enormous, and you wonder how Bryullov managed to create several characters and their fate, and the whole thing isn't falling apart, it's a complete story in one shot. What a truly amazing painting made by a master of brush
Bryullov was Tchaikovsky of the paintings. Grandiose dramatism of romanticism tradition.
Would be nice if they actually said which museum it was in.
@@corner559 Russian Museum in St. Petersburg
@@corner559 , Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia
Also, Pliny the Younger's observation that the tragedy caused so many to question their faith in the gods, while a bull - the symbol of Zeus - wanders in the background, lost and left behind, and a well-dressed priest flees with his nice things, and a roughly dressed Christian elder seems to bravely stand beside the woman and her daughters to offer some form of human comfort in this moment. Each figure coming closer and closer into the foreground, as if to show the march of recent history. The quiet story told by these three figures alone is worth making this painting famous.
Well, since everyone liked that so much, I actually wrote a whole Medium article analyzing this painting because I couldn't stop thinking about it.
Where can I read it?
Very astute observation. The bull, also, could represent Mithras. A strange, somewhat mysterious cult of Roman soldiers. (See the bizarre ritual sacrifice to Mithras sculpture. It's some weird stuff.)
The face of the woman looking directly at us might be the most chilling piece of art I have ever seen. Just wow.
It does really feel like she’s begging the viewer to save her
It's like she's breaking the fourth wall. Maybe seeing past the veil of time and space during her last moments.
OK, nerd objection: Neither Pliny the Younger, not his mother were in Pompeii. They lived at his uncle's estate, the famous naturalist Pliny the Elder. Which was across the bay in Misenum, about as far from Vesuvius as you could get while still being in the Bay of Naples. It's been decades since we had to translate that very letter by PtY, so I had to go back to it, to refresh my memory. He writes clearly (first letter to Tacitus) that when PtE readied a boat for investigation and rescue, he offered his nephew to come along, who declined as he wanted to get on with his writing (which he had been tasked with by his uncle). Bit of artistic liberty there: for no, in that spot, in that situation, nobody would have survived, neither the ash fall nor the pyroclastic flow (which the city also got hit with, though to a lesser extent than Herculaneum). PtY and his mum had to flee ash clouds and earthquakes, as he writes in his 2nd letter to Tacitus, but nothing like what hit these poor people who were in Ground Zero.
Thank you for this.
Yes, and thank you for pointing that out.
I believe i was told the elder uncle died from the ash in the air.
@@Cnichal yes indeed, though PtY wrote of his uncle as being corpulent, so that probably didn't help. Sever heat attack may also have been the cause.
Pliny’s accurate description of the Vesuvius eruption and his attention to detail is so vivid that now, volcanologists refer to these types of eruptions as ‘Plinian eruptions’. He also wrote of the events leading up to the death of his uncle, Pliny the Elder who was attempting to rescue his friend that day.
I never really considered art as more than just a picture before coming across your channel. Your explanations have made me aware that there is much to look at
Seeing all the little babies in this painting made me cry. The loss of life and the sheer terror all the little babies felt that day just breaks my heart into a million pieces
The nude man could have been someone coming from a bath house or similar and jumped on the horse in desperation to flee. Great video. I teared up as I was reminded of modern nature catastrophes, like the 2004 tsunami.
The editing of these videos keeps getting better! Fun and educational A+
Thank you so much!
@@Art_Deco the people in the painting know that they're fucked 😂😂😂😂
An incredible painting that tells such a tragic story
I felt chills with this one, such a dramatic and dynamic piece of art. Haunting and still impressive.
Imagine being in the last moments of your life, and having nothing to hold but dead metal. For some reason, the priest in white is the most tragic figure to me.
Your thoughtful and lucid narration is delightful. If I were still in Gen. Ed., I would use your videos; you have a gift for making art accessible and relatable.
До войны в Украине я жил в Санкт-Петербурге. И видел эту картину в Русском музее несколько раз. Она занимает целую огромную стену в одном из залов. Трудно передать впечатления от этого. А если прийти в будний день, то можно было остаться с картиной почти наедине.
Надеюсь, когда-то еще смогу увидеть эту картину.
I'm very curious about Pompeii. Watched hours of documentary about how it happen, what the people of Pompeii feels based on their preserved bodies by the ashes. But seeing a painting that is reference from the (material) survivor of the eruption of Mount Vecivous is truly chilling.
Pliny wasn’t a survivor of the eruption. He wasn’t even in Pompeii at the time. He was in another town across the bay from Pompeii. His uncle, Pliny the elder, died in the eruption
This is an amazing painting and your retelling reminded me of visiting Pompeii as a kid - it was impressive and horrifying. There was something really eerie about seeing recognizable restaurants, still bright murals and mosaics, and other weirdly modern looking things in the ruins and knowing what had happened to everyone who lived there, and that that disaster was what allowed me to see it.
You have sprung a love for art in me, thank you for your videos!
That's amazing to hear! Thank youuu
I don't know if you've ever tried to bridle a terrified horse in the middle of a volcanic eruption but suffice it to say that I'm not surprised he didn't have enough time to slip on proper attire! 😊
A wonderful choice of art for this video! You have a certain way of always choosing art that evokes raw emotions from the viewer. That, combined with your great commenting and editing makes for a perfect mix. It's always a great day when you upload something new! Thank you for your dedication.
What you do is simply fantastic. Such a clever blend of modern esthetic and classical paintings, combined with your soothing voice. Just perfect.
I’ve never seen this painting before, I am blown away! This is utterly incredible the way he depicts the horror of people’s faces, and even different reactions the people have. To me this is flawless, I literally can’t get over how beautiful and tragic this is… it’s a masterpiece ❤
Since my very childhood this painting gives me chills, I was in awe the moment I saw it in a museum
Now THIS is a masterpiece!
If I'm facing an event of apocalyptic magnitude, I'd put on one last Art Deco video to see me into the Great Beyond...or strip down and jump on a white horse. Whatever I'm feeling in the moment.
I love this!
I just want to let you know how much I adore your art history videos. You breathe life and humor into a subject that many people might not have had an appreciation for previously. Thank you for making such amazing content 😊
RIP People of Pompeii.
Although the women all bear a striking resemblance to the woman he loved (which is a bit much), this is truly a masterpiece. Yes, it’s a bit of a dark subject, but there are quite a lot of pieces that centered around death. Why the critics were hard on it is beyond me. As they say, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. I suppose it’s okay to know that, it’s just not okay to talk about it or be reminded of it… But I think he did a marvelous job portraying the last day of Pompeii. It wasn’t blood and gore. It portraying the power of nature, but more so the effect it had on the humans who were totally helpless when faced with it. This painting shows human frailties: fear, anguish, acceptance, death… All the things those poor people really experienced that day. He paid homage to them. I think that deserved better reviews than what it got. But art critics… They’ve never changed. They wouldn’t know art if it came up and bit them…
I recall when I went there, the guide said most people with the means to, had already left, because the mountain had been rumbling for weeks. So it wasn't really a day like any other.
"The painting is super dramatic - but so is imminant death." Well said👍
I love the Romance Painters. Finally - emotion came back into art. The impassive medieval stuff was jarring. (Crusaders slashing people's heads open, or cutting off limbs, yet looking serene/indifferent. Whatever - death is dramatic!)
I get so happy when I get the notification for your video! Thank you for both entertaining and educating me today!
This piece IS dramatic and I love it. I'm unsure how anyone could've thought this tragic event in human history didn't deserve the drama portrayed on the canvas. Man, the French really had sticks up their butts.
What a beautiful Tragic Painting..... can only imagine what those people went through.......
I was so happy when I stumpled on your youtube channel and sad when I realized that you haven't made content like this for that long. I would have loved to just binge like 10 hours worth of stories behind paintings. Oh well. I subscribed to see all the stuff you put out next. Please make more videos. Thank you 😜
In the many videos i've watched about pompeii i can't believe this is the first time i've ever seen this paitning.
Amazing!
Why do I appreciate art so much? This painting and your description of it brought me to tears, thank you.
Thanks for always including the story of the artists and personal details. It makes everything make sense like a cohesive thread…. And also shows us that if we take more time in our own projects we are in good company hahaha
I’m at a loss for words… what an incredible depiction! I feel for those who died there, and the plaster casts of the bodies has hurt my heart since childhood for them! I simply cannot imagine the terror and agony, but with the casts it is a reality for us to actually see! I adore this channel SO much! You always leave me with my mouth hanging open in astonishment from the intricate depth you give!
Yay! Always pumped to see a new video and hear your voice.
Yay, thank you!
@@Art_Deco Yay, you're welcome!
It's unbelievable how you can catch such emotion and tragic with a brush 🙌🏻
I loved how much information you had for this masterpiece, though horrifying it was so interesting to watch ❤
Here was no molten lava in that particular volcanic eruption. It started off as pumice falling from the sky followed by pyroclastic flows, which are fast moving clouds of ash and gas
Your voice is so relaxing.
I love your videos, they inspire me to look closer at the art I see. There’s so much symbolism and detail hidden for us to find, if only we’re willing to spare it more than a glance.
What stroke me, a total newbie in the subject, is the emptiness right at the centre of the painting: there's almost a V-shape, with the eye drawn towards the body of the woman at the bottom centre. I think this really tells me a lot about the loss following the tragedy - no architecture, no people, notably not the crumbling (statues of) gods, will survive, and nothing can replenish that feeling of loss. What I'm not particularly keen on, on the other hand, is how he tends to enlarge the eyes (especially of kids), because this reminds me too much of a historical version of Insta filters, lol
The parents under the yellow vail got me. 😢 Well done video.
Your video style never bores me keep it up!
The truly horrifying thing about the Vesuvius eruption of 79 is… a week later? Most of those people would have already gone back home! They were in Pompeii for one of the multi-day Roman festivals. It’s shocking, really, to know that had the volcano just waited… Pompeii would not be as packed full of bodies as it’s been found. Maybe that one poor skeleton would not have been smashed in the face by a stone pillar
The accepted date of the eruption has recently (perhaps only 5-10 years ago?) been revised, and there have always been dissenting voices. What we "know" from doing a Google search is completely different from what people thought they knew in 1830.
I was so excited when I saw that Art Deco uploaded a new video! 😃 The fact that the content was about Russian art was the cherry on top for me. 😁
Didn't think I'd once cry watching an Art Deco video 😆
Babe wake up, new Art Deco video!!
My god this channel is a fucking life saver, funny, informative and i crave more every time. As an art school and being fucking fed up with art after hours upon hours of sketching and painting this is such a fresh air even though it has something in it that im so tired of and even inspires me to keep painting
I appreciate and look forward to your videos! Keep up the amazing work!
I absolutely love what you do!! Thankyou for explaining art in a relatable way. It makes me appreciate it so much more.
Just found your channel! Absolutely loving all this artwork! Thank you so much!
I so enjoy your analysis of each painting. I love learning about the artist’s intent, the details of the painting and the explanations. Every painting becomes fascinating!
I love watching your videos. Thank you for all the background information! You really bring the pieces to life.
I love learning about these paintings from you, thank you.
Love your channel! Keep up the great work
Another masterpiece of thought and analysis. Bravo!!!👏👏👏
So many details in one painting. Thank you for showing them. ❤
Naked guy on a horse? Very likely. Take a look at Samuel Clemens/Mark Twain's description of an earthquake in California ("Roughing It," perhaps). At least one lady scampers into the street without a stitch. Myself having been in California during several earthquakes, I was glad not to be caught with my pants down at the seat of ease, in the shower or in passionate embrace with my better half! With all the hoopla about the bodies found in Pompeii & the hollow places filled with plaster/concrete, it is remarkable to hear you say only about 10% of the populace died in the event. Also interesting to see Bryullov placed the face of his belovéd right next his own in the painting - as well as in many other poses.
I have recently heard at that time he was literally called Karl the Great in Russia for his art, which doesn't really sound that ridiculous once you see his paintings
I love this channel. The delivery is so entertaining!
I didn’t know about this painting. I fell in love with Pompeii at 12 y/o, when I watched a documentary with my dad about it. Thank you for sharing 😍.
Another great video!
You make art history so amazing!
I'm so happy to see here a picture painted by an artist who is from my country. Thank you!
I wanted to tell you that you are my favorite TH-camr right now. You're insightful and you are hilarious so please continue doing 💜🌺💜
I can't stop watching your videos ! ♥
Another enjoyable art history and world history lesson. Thank you!
I love you voice! It sounds good regardless of the cold. Always look forward to your uploads!
I like that you analysed this painting. It's packed with history and symbolism and also many details, and i am surprised not many make videos of it. Not just him but aldo underrated pieces of art that not many cover up so more people appreciate the art, than just for aesthetic or just being pretty 😅
I think the saddest thing about many classical paintings is that they don't have high-resolution scans/pictures available. So sad to find out about an amazing painting and then find that the only pictures of it online are blurry 600x400 crap. I think there needs to be some kind of global effort to have all classic art scanned in ultra high-resolution before the paintings themselves degrade or crack more.
These videos are so well done and educational. I really appreciate you putting these out. I would love to see one on any of Mikhail Vrubel's paintings as I've always been a fan of his work but feel there is some deeper history to his works that would be interesting to know.
My favourite painting. I spend so much time staring at it when I was a kid.
Great video. Outstanding narration.
i never knew about this painting. thanks for this. also lol at 7:03
Love your videos!
Love this channel!
This is an exceptional channel. Superb! Thank you.
I enjoy your videos so much. I’m developing a new interest in art thanks to you. Keep up the good work
Wonderful video. Thanks
omg i freakin LOVE your new stickers. such a great collection of expressions over history
This is a MASTERFUL work
Amazing piece!
Oh my, a painting that took 5 years, it’s a glorious self obsession
I’m simply amazed how talented these people were back then what happened these paintings are so detailed
Eu adoro o seu canal, a forma que você fala sobre a arte e sobre o pintor, me cativa. Obrigado
I love this. I could feel it.I’d love to see it one day! Love your videos and feel better! Could you do Mona lisa?❤
You have such a talent for this
There is a very good TV drama about this eruption. ‘Pompeii, The Last Day’ starring Tim Piggot Smith and Jim Carter (2003) It’s well worth a watch if you can find it.
This is a fabulous painting and your explanation of it is both educational and entertaining. A very interesting and informative video. Thank you.
Thanks for another great video!
Thank you, Dave! And thank you also for becoming a channel member! I really appreciate it!!
I love that mother sad face 🥀
I find it the most beautiful face in.that scene.
amazing video!
Your editing is so good and the explanation are very interested!
I really do like your channel 👍
This kept giving me shivers
I like how he included himself in the painting because it emphasized how detailed it is, and so well that it was as if he was there to witness it.
The first time I saw this piece I thought the theme would be the fall of Troy because the way the falling statues are presented reminded me of the Trojan horse entering the city with the despairing woman in the painting representing Cassandra. I wonder if it is a reference, or maybe I'm just looking way too much into it.
You could def be onto something. Many painters will give a nod to those that inspired them. It's tradition in horror movies today to include scenes straight out of prior horror movies - to honor those that inspired you. I'm sure the painting world did that _before it was cool._ It's not "copying" it's saying "I'm inserting this obviously - to let people know who I admire."
I am a new subscriber who just recently got into appreciating beautiful historic art and I really enjoy your videos. I also spontaneously bought a tote bag with a beautiful painting on it, later learning that it was called "Circe offering the cup to Ulysses". I would love to see a video on it someday! 💖
I'm no artist but I love hearing you talk about it cheers.