Inspired by a view he’d seen in the Dutch town of Haarlem, celebrated landscape painter produced one of his most famous paintings. A Landscape with a Ruined Castle and a Church was such a well-received scene that Van Ruisdael repainted the landscape in several smaller versions.
Here, he shows his mastery of composition. The banks of clouds balance the painting while a diagonal slash of sky simultaneously draws the viewer into the painting and stops the viewer’s gaze at the spire of the church as it appears to pierce the sky. Van Ruisdael was careful to give the painting a natural scale. By incorporating the human figures (probably painted by another artist) into the canvas, he’s given us a sense of the epic sweep of the land.
This painting as well as some of the variations on it are on display at the National Gallery in London.
Director William Dieterle had the good sense to reunite popular onscreen couple William Powell and Kay Francis for his 1932 comedy, The Jewel Robbery. The film would mark the fifth of seven collaborations between the two stars. Powell initially rejected the film, preferring to stay at home with his new bride Carole Lombard. He also wasn’t keen on playing another “ladies man,” but the appeal of the script and the thought of working with Kay Francis again intrigued him. With his elegant appeal, William Powell was exactly the kind of man audiences wanted to see in the early 1930’s. Similarly Kay Francis with her exotic beauty and excellent fashion sense depicted the sort of aristocratic woman who could make the audience forget about their troubled lives.
William Powell
Warner Brothers Pictures
Powell plays, “The Robber” in this comic caper. The Robber, as he explains, doesn’t care for the American “Shoot-em-up” style of theft. He studied in Paris where one learned a far more elegant method of thievery. While robbing an upmarket jewelry store, The Robber encounters Baroness Teri von Horhenfels—a bored society woman who alleviates her ennui by taking on a series of lovers (seemingly with the knowledge and consent of her older husband). Teri, her husband, and current fling have gone to the shop to purchase her a diamond—something they all hope will put her in better spirits. Teri is intrigued by The Robber, especially after he subdues the guard with a “special cigarette” (an early and scandalous mention of marijuana).
What follows is a humorous and exciting look at a dishonest man who’s fighting his honest intentions and a dishonest woman who doesn’t really care too much about being honest. Joined in this escapade by Helen Vinson and Alan Mowbray, Powell and Francis deliver excellent performances.
Francis and Vinson
Warner Brothers Pictures
It’s worth watching the film for the visual aspect alone. With perfect 1930’s sets and costumes, you’ll really feel transported to another time. I’d highly recommend this very enjoyable picture. Unfortunately, it's not available on DVD. However, Turner Classic Movies does show the film from time-to-time, so keep your eyes open.
Before Bette made it big, before Crawford’s shoulders reached unparalleled heights, and before Taylor batted her eyelashes, there was Kay Francis.At the height of her career in the early 1930’s the raven-haired beauty was the highest-paid star in Hollywood and the leading-est of the leading ladies at both Paramount and Warner Brothers.Despite her rather obvious speech impediment (earning her the nickname “The Wavishing Kay Fwancis”), she made a tremendous impact on the film world—known for her superb acting and her ability to wear gowns beautifully.She was paired with the top leading men of her time and influenced film history in an amazing way.She’s rarely given enough credit for her contributions.I see that someone out there appreciates her.Enjoy this lovely photo montage prepared by a Francis fan.
Last week ended with Robert ensuring that Nanny Rittenhouse didn’t pester Mr. Punch/Julian and Ulrika and Arthur insisting that she aid them in making sure that Julian be destroyed. Meanwhile, unaware that Ulrika has the diamond (and her husband), Barbara Allen has weaseled her way into Adrienne’s house with false promises of wanting to be reformed. To make matters worse on that chilly Christmas Eve, Marjani’s daughter and son-in-law are dying a slow and painful death from the Yellow Fever. It doesn’t seem like a very merry Christmas in Marionneaux.
As is often the case in Marionneaux, things will only get worse before they get better. While our friends try to find some Christmas cheer, Ulrika, Arthur, Barbara and Iolanthe Evangeline will be actively trying to make sure that they remain unhappy. Iolanthe has a lot of grudges to settle—not only does she feel threatened by Naasir, but Barbara isn’t cooperating at all. Worst of all, Iolanthe’s hatred of Cecil for taking Adrienne from her bawdy house has doubled now that Cecil has shot her. And, of course, there’s the little matter of getting revenge for the death of her henchman, Leon “The Professor.” In typical “Elegant Ogress” fashion, Iolanthe comes out fighting—and in a very public way.
As our friends make their way to New Orleans for the annual Masquerade Ball at the Cages’ Waxworks, Iolanthe is plotting to get everything that she wants. The coming week will bring two deaths, a lot of danger and another layer of mystery.
Those of you who have been reading Punch’s Cousin are getting a taste of some of the characters who figure prominently in my upcoming novel, The Cages of Marionneaux. Ulrika, Iolanthe Evangeline, and Marjani take center stage in this epic drama which spans the history of Marionneaux from 1873 to the present day. You’ve already been introduced to the town’s main families—the Cages, The Halifaxes, and The Rittenhouses. In The Cages of Marionneaux, you’ll see how these families evolve (and devolve) over the centuries.
Many thanks to all of you who have been reading Punch’s Cousin, and especially for your kind comments and emails. I guarantee there’s a lot more excitement to come.
Just because they’re wearing fur coats doesn’t mean that our pets can’t get cold. Yes, it’s true, that their fur does keep them naturally insulated. However, indoor pets who are used to living in a climate controlled environment aren’t quite as adaptable to temperature changes as their wild counterparts.
Since we’re getting a chill in the air, take a few moments today to make sure that your pet has what he or she needs in order to be comfortable. We have experienced a temporary loss of our heat. While that can be easily corrected, I’ve tried to make sure that Bertie is warm enough in our drafty Victorian house. As you can see, he’s quite content in his nest of velvet pillows. Even with functioning central heat, it’s always a good idea to make sure that your pets have a nice, warm spot to which they can retreat. They can’t speak up when they’re uncomfortable, but we can try to anticipate their needs.
This vivid landscape painting was brought to Texas as part of a lot of English art which had been purchased abroad. I was immediately drawn to its enchanting colors and fluid style. Though unsigned, we can date the painting by the materials that were used. Once again, the scene has been painted on a thin, planed, wooden board. The patina and spotting on the reverse of the board indicate that this dates to the mid-to-late Nineteenth Century. When framed, the pieces was originally backed in black paper which shows signs of having had a label on it. Unfortunately, sometime in the course of its existence, the paper has been deliberately torn away. So, we’ll really never know its exact origins.
Another outstanding feature of this piece is the frame. Elaborately carved, the frame features a natural motif of oak leaves and acorns. This theme was popular in Britain during the middle of Victoria’s reign. In fact, this style was favored by Prince Albert himself, who, no doubt, helped increase the popularity of the English Oak Leaf pattern.
I always enjoy seeing interpretations of the world through the eyes of those who lived in other eras. This artist has a very distinct point of view. Thankfully, that viewpoint lives on.
Our world-wide journey into the arts and humanities will take us many places next week. We’ll explore the mastery of the jewelers of India as we take a look at the original setting for the famed Koh-i-nûr diamond. A visit to Britain’s Hampton Court Palace will give us a glimpse at one of the homes of the Tudor Dynasty. We’ll continue our exploration of Nineteenth Century art and furniture, and, at the end of the week, we’ll have a look at an Italian Pulcinella show.
We will also learn some more about two of the most celebrated and influential women working in the arts and design with our Person and our Humanitarian of the Week. Don’t forgot, throughout November, I’m still taking your nominations for both Humanitarian of the Year and Person of the Year.
Our look at the films which have shaped our culture continues with an examination of a classic Irene Dunn film and one of James Dean’s three contributions to the silver screen. We’ll also have a rare look at James Dean—out of character—giving a rather ironic interview.
As we do each week, we’ll see how Mr. Punch has influenced the art world. And, of course, Punch’s Cousin will continue with Chapter 91 as Julian/Punch, Robert and their allies awaken on Christmas morning to find something other than presents under the tree.
At nearly 4000 visitors each week, Stalking the Belle Époque, has reached people around the world all of whom are interested in seeing the beauty—past, present and future—that we are capable of creating. My thanks to all of you who have been reading!
