Where the Hearth Is

"Fireplace at Hopper's New York Apartment"
Pen and ink on paper, 1925-30
Edward Hopper

Lately I have been studying drawings by some of the great painters of the past. I have been struck by a recurrent motif--the artist's depiction of his own room, or his own home. In particular, I have been drawn to simple drawings that feature the fireplace hearth, and perhaps a favorite chair nearby. These drawings have such a sense of
familiarity, and also (to my sensibility) longing. Longing, perhaps, for a quiet moment of peace by the fire. Or maybe longing for a wider view, beyond the four walls of the room. I wanted to share a few of these fireplace scenes with you.

Chair near the Stove
Pencil and black chalk
Vincent van Gogh, 1890

The top drawing is by Edward Hopper. Quite different from his paintings of urban displacement, this drawing speaks of a home that is tranquil and full of life. To me, the various accoutrements on the mantel seem quite heartwarming--the stuff of the human touch. 

The second drawing is by Vincent van Gogh. A bit more stark--it dates from his years in St. Remy, where he was confined to an asylum. And yet he produced some great work there. I don't know whether this drawing was from memory--perhaps a past home that he wished for--or whether it was done from life in St. Remy.

"Logs and Rocking Chair"
Oil on Masonite, 22 x 18
Fairfield Porter, 1973

While studying these drawings, I could not help but recall paintings of the same subject. Immediately above is a painting by Fairfield Porter. I am unable to find information on the location, but Porter was known for painting familiar interiors. He lived part of the year in Maine, and this one connotes the start of a long, cold night in those northern climes. I love the hot colors, on what would have been a chilly night!

"Madame Vuillard Lighting the Stove"
Oil on paper, mounted on canvas, 25 x 29.25
Edouard Vuillard

And I must include two paintings by my favorite painter of interiors, Edouard Vuillard. Just above is a painting of Vuilard's studio. Notice his mother down on all fours, lighting the stove. And below is Vuillard's room at the Chateau des Cloyes. This chateau was near Versailles, and was owned by close friends of Vuillard. They gave him his own room on the ground floor, and he spent a great deal of time there. You can sense that this is a place where Vuillard was perfectly at home.

"Vuillard's Room at Chateau des Clayes"
Distemper on paper, mounted on canvas
Edouard Vuillard, 1933

Last but not least, here is a little picture I recently painted of my own little "country cottage" in Virginia. Granted, the hearth is only referenced obliquely. But still--there's no place like home!

"Morning Light come Pouring In"
Oil on Paper, 12 x 9
(c) Lesley Powell 2015