Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by Elizabeth Norton Here. Thank you, Elizabeth for hosting this week!
Often I surprise myself with the topics I find for my weekly posts. I think that is what I enjoy most about writing this blog. It often takes me places I’ve been and have forgotten. Wonderful places. This week it is Sicily. It was beautiful, but, oh, it was hot when my husband and I traveled there in 2016. One day it was 107 degrees F. This dog knew how to stay cool.
So we spent some time indoors at a small, out of the way museum. That was where I discovered artist Antonio Ligabue. You can read details about his life and see some of his work Here. His paintings and drawings were gaining attention in Italy during the early 1950’s. He passed away in the 1960’s.
Ligabue was a genius who suffered from mental illness which is one reason why he has been likened to Van Gogh. Another reason is his work. Below is a still life that charmed me. I love his whimsical flowers that dwarf the table. I love the ornate setting.
Below is a signed self portrait. I was taken by the playfulness in his work, personality in his face, suit, and hat!
This is a quote from Mr. Ligabue, likely at a time when he felt frustrated or unable to make ends meet, was posted at the museum:
Io sono un grande artista, la gente non mi comprende, ma bu giorno I miei quadri costeranno tanti soldi e allora tutti capiranno chi veramente era Antonio Ligabue. I am a great artist. People don't get me, but one day my paintings will cost a lot of money, and then people will truly understand what kind of man was Antonio Ligabue.
I don’t know what his work would cost now. But no matter what price, I think he was a wonderful artist, not to mention self-confident in his abilities.
TO A STRIVING ARTIST A poem inspired by the life of Antonio Ligabue You might be disappointed that your work isn't noticed right away, perplexed. But someday, who knows when, maybe in seventy years, or much sooner, someone may discover your painting and ask, "Who IS the artist?" and because a small steady smouldering fire has slowly caught on, someone nearby will tell them. ©Janice Scully
Stay safe and well, everyone, and have a wonderful weekend.