In the late Summer of 1890, Claude Monet began a series of 25 canvases featuring haystacks in all weathers, all seasons and times of day. It was not at all unusual for him to return, many times, to the same subject. He was interested in light conditions, shadows and highlights and how the arc of the sun in different seasons illuminated his subject. It is an interesting exercise for any artist, to revisit a subject several times, the familiarity allows for a freedom of expression which can be lost when simply searching for a likeness.
It is the end of Summer here, most of the big bales of straw have been gathered up and the fields harrowed ready for Autumn sowing (and rain!). The field in front of the house, not a great yielding field because it has a boggy bottom, still has 15 large round bales dotted about like giant draughts pieces, a suitable view for a modern version of Monet’s Haystacks perhaps.
On the subject of Haystacks here is one of my favourite Millet pieces - I love the contrasts and energy of the work. It makes me think of the storm after the wedding in Far from the Madding Crowd, where Gabriel Oak and Bathsheba save the hay while the revellers and Sergeant Troy (RIP Terence Stamp) party on.
Yes, I am a Thomas Hardy fan.
