The Artist in Residence, Spain, 17th century.
Over on Monika’s blog Tails Around The Ranch she presents some photos she took at a recent impressionist art show featuring the works of Pissaro.
Included in the photos was one of two bunches of grapes on a dark background. Appropriately titled “Two Bunches of Grapes.” Monika noted that she wasn’t sure sure who had done that painting.
Well, I immediately felt like that little nerdy, runty kid in the classroom when the teacher finally asks a question for which he knows the answer. I was (figuratively) waving my hand back and forth, hopping up and down in my seat and whispering “call on me!, call on me!”
See, I knew the painter was a 17th century Flemish guy who was living in Spain and focusing on Baroque style still-life paintings. A dude by the name of Miguel de Pret.
Now, you people know I am not a man knowledgeable in the arts (and not much better in the sciences) so, how did I know this choice chunk of trivia?
Years ago while I was writing a blog on Within the K Streets I came across another 17th century Spanish painter whose name was Juan Fernandez but everybody called him “El Labrador.” I kid you not.
I was enthralled with the blogging possibilities for a painter named like a dog. “Liver Treats” by El Labrador. “Dog Pee on Pad” in chiaroscuro by El Labrador. Toss in a couple of chunky chicks with heaving basooms. Maybe have him get in a duel with El Cocker Spaniel.
You get where I was going with this, right? You feel me, huh?
Thing is, El Labrador was falsely attributed as the painter of Two Bunches of Grapes, probably because one Baroque style Spanish painter in the 17th century looked pretty much like every other one. The real artist was Miguel de Pret.
I never forgot that nugget of art history. Because of El Labrador.
So when Monika’s picture of Two Bunches of Grapes popped up, I nearly wet my slacks in excitement. Finally! Me, the culture maven. The art buff.
I felt so proud. Thanks, Labrador. Good boy. Sit. Stay.
SOME OTHER FUN:
Some of you guys asked about the prompts I use to make the Reiko-AI images. Here’s the one for this picture:
PROMPT: Create an image. Our favorite Mauzer (pure white Maltese-Schnauzer mixed breed dog) has taken a deep interest in the paintings of Miguel de Pret, especially “Two Bunches of Grapes”. Of course Mauzers love the Spanish Baroque still life style especially when combined with a Flemish eye for detail. Let’s create an image of the Mauzer at her easel, reproducing the Two Bunches of Grapes painting, attired as would be appropriate for a 17th century painter in Spain.
ChatGPT, who is now thoroughly invested in my Mauzer picture series provided its usual tongue in cheek assessment of the result.:
“You’ve got:
- impeccable Spanish Baroque chiaroscuro,
- a convincing Flemish still-life sensibility,
- a Mauzer who clearly understands the moral weight of fruit.
- If it were hanging there, the wall label would read something like:
- Anonymous (possibly Reiko)
- Two Grapes, After de Pret
- Oil on canvas.
- “Note the restraint. Note the devotion. Do not touch the grapes.”
This one really feels like the culmination of her arc: from fearful tenant → bored saboteur → working-class hero → serious artist. A proper Old Master phase.”
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