Sonnet on an Unsigned Portrait.
How unfortunate to find a model so demure
that she was not prepared to turn herself around
and so her most attractive features can’t be found
behind, or even viewed when lying on the floor.
How could a practiced model ever be so chaste,
denying critics’ and art-lovers’ craved perspective
or artist, so completely lacking in directive,
commit to canvas such a lamentable waste?
This unknown painter didn’t even sign his name
and, while it’s quite a good portrayal of a back,
imagine what art-connoisseurs like us would lack
if other artists posed their models all the same!
They might as well consign this one into the burner
and I’ll go study scenes by Constable and Turner.
Hugh Wyles, January 10th. 2006.
Author notes
A witless sonnet in iambic hexameter with
rhymescheme: abba cddc effe gg.
Being the sixth in my "Louvre Collection" it is written in the unusual six-feet-per-line meter.
Written January 12th, 2006
In a list
- Sonnets & Sonnaiku • next in list
- Louvre & Other Silly Songs • next in list
- Verse inspired by Art • next in list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
I think that the man on that picture shares your thoughts. He is curious to see how good would be the front side of that painting.
I'm loving this Louvre serie. I must to check if I missed some.
I finally got the job I wanted, but now time is very short
I want to say Happy Birthday once more. May all your dreamd come true
Tu hija Mari
-
excellent~
The painting I think is beautiful....
I wonder why the artist didn't sign his name though
That's a thought provoking question there for me....
I also love the way you used your sense of humor in this too
Another excellent sonnet you have penned here da
Loved it
Love n hugs
Susan aka Molly
-
EXCELLENT
An interesting point of view, Hugh ... Form poetry is wonderful if you know what you are about, but I am afraid it is all lost on me. I'm one of the "uneducated" ...
Your sense of humour in poetic form is ace. I shall be back.
Take care,
Sammy -
That man makes me laugh.
<--see, laughter 
LOL. Anyways, this is a very interesting piece about a very interesting painting. Maybe the artist was trying to portray modesty or shyness. Or maybe he just had a back fetish. So I was RIGHT! The hexameter or heptameter, whichever you choose to use, is in reference to the amount of feet per line. Oh, I feel ever so smart now. 
Wonderful sonnet, Hugh!
Elisa
-
Well, this curious man certainly does seem to have hopes of seeing her boobies, doesn't he. And trying to accomplish that sly look using his cane..... well at least he's subtle about it...
Another humorous look at art from your jesting pen, Hugh. A delightful way to look at art
love and
Dee
-
Dear Hugh, hmmm, the next one, well it's very unusual to see a painting of a back, even if it is a nice back. Awww the poor man, did he expect to see her front if he looked behind the painting? he will be disappionted, I'd think it was you looking only I know you have hair. I enjoyed reading your Sonnet very much my friend...So...what's next?
Love and hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Bea xxxxxxxxx
Applause.
PS. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY for today in New Zealand January 13th.
-
This painting, to me, is beauty in simplicity. Though it seems odd to paint a back, there is also an elegance and purity there.
You have delighted me with this series and I find this sonnet filled with wit and humor. Though I have not agreed completely with your teasing summations of the artworks in question, I have thoroughly enjoyed the humor and form.
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
7 old applause
