Impasse de la Fee Verte

IiuToday's day trip was to Auvers-sur-Oise, a village about 30 miles northwest of Paris where Vincent Van Gogh spent the last 70 days of his life in 1890. During that time he produced about 80 paintings, with art supplies sent by train on a regular basis from his brother in Paris, Theo. Theo had been devoted to Vincent for many years, giving him money so Vincent could pursue his art. Art and humanity were everything for Vincent...but living was a challenge. Vincent found many subjects to paint in this little village on the Oise River ; the Notre Dame Church, his friend and medical doctor, Dr. Gachet, the innkeeper's daughter, the fields and houses, the Hotel de Ville, and finally, the cornfield and crows. Although the story line about his death attributes it to suicide, I've read some well researched, scholarly work that disputes that scenario. But the sad fact remains that Van Gogh only lived to thirty-seven.

One cannot capture the scenes he imortalized in his paintings with a camera. His vision, color, and interpretation is unique. A challenge for any artist to render life in such a vivid and life confirming way.

Further along the Oise is L'Isle Adam (I looked for Eve here, and found a sculpture of a woman about to dive into the Oise; could have been Eve). Another picturesque town that attracted artists: Daubigny, Pissarro, van Gogh, and others.

The photos of the day include a street sign in Auvers-sur-Oise. Whoever can guess the meaning of the "Impasse de la Fee Verte" gets a prize... to be determined.

Back in Paris in the evening found us in the 16 th arr. at Herve's sister and brother-in-laws, Sylviane and Jean-Pierre, sipping 15 year-old Scotch and then going to an Italian restaurant for dinner. Sicilian wine (Nero d'Avola) was ordered in anticipation of our upcoming trip to Sicily.

Oh, did I mention that this was another picture perfect day...sunny and in the 70s?!!!
A bientot,
David