BBC4 - Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershoi
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- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- A poetic voyage in the paintings of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi with Michael Palin. Broadcast on BBC Four on June 29 2008, I do not own the rights on this program.
Hammershoi has reached a soul on the the wind swept, snowy plains of Montana today.
Thank you.
What a moving, engaging comment. I’m sure Hammershøi would have found things to paint in exceptional Montana....
And another in wintery Auckland, New Zealand.
And another, in the woods of Minnesota
I love Hammershoi's work and I'm glad that Michael Palin has brought it to a larger public. For me, painting is a kind of visual love. I think Hammershoi loved Ida and was always reaching out to her, even when her back was turned, maybe especially when her back was turned.
Long a Hammershoi fan, it was a joy for me to discover this revealing and intriguing exploration of his life and work. Michael Palin is sensitive, engaging and personable, and researcher Lotte Kjeldsen is captivating and hauntingly charming. Thank you for a magical and revelatory presentation.
I stumbled on this doc about a painter I had never heard of. Wow, I am so glad that I did. I Love his work! Thank you for educating me
I like this new artist too
yep, me too, but I like all the programs Michael Palin has done, and this one did not disappoint, it was very good indeed
@@52daytripper There is an even better one called Artemesia Undaunted that showed up because I had watched this
Hogwash McTurnip same!
Absolutely 100% agree. Stumbled upon, the art and artist, production values, cinematography, music and of course Michael. I would have laid heavy odds against me spending an evening watching a documentary about an obscure Danish artist I had never heard of....and even more against thoroughly enjoying it.
spectacular paintings by hammershoi! and i adore michael palin-his programs for the bbc 4 are sensational.
I’m way too young to be in love with Michael Palin, but the more documentaries of his I watch, the more charming he becomes. 😍
Breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful.
Excellent documentary on a great, underrated artist.
I am a friend and admirer of Hammershoi's works. His paintings are ethereal and mystical
Works that dont need bright colours to express his need to be subtle and interior
There are certain mentalities who are like that and he paints for us. I adore his works
I am interested to see the whole catalogue of Hammershoi's output. As a "friend and admirer", can you direct me to an on-line site to get a more comprehensive view than this documentary offers ? Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. Thank you. -- Peter Crossley, Toronto
@@petercrossley2956 Re Pete ;) same here !
Beautifully done documentary Michael...the first i have heard of this artist.. absolutely amazing...did anyone else catch their breath when the edge of the folded painting was shown displaying the lady? Wonderful.
Yes I did
There seems a connection between so many works that evoke a sense of stillness. Hopper, A Wyeth, Japanese architecture, Hammershoi, Frank Lloyd Wright. Silence is the connection.
Gwen John
Oh...this is so sooo magnificent👏👏👏This must be deeply loved. Bravo
It is videos like this that make me love UA-cam. Discovering an artist who has been overlooked and now gets the attention he deserved.
His paintings are amazing and I think they a beautiful stillness about them with the figure with her back to us. I think the intention is for us to take in and absorb a moment in time that has been caught in a painting otherwise would’ve been lost to time.
The paintings are beautiful, mysterious, showing us the eternal rhythm of time .
Fascinating and informative, in the quiet understated way that Michael Palin does so well - brilliant !
Yes TY Michael.
Thanks for putting this on here. It's intriguing.
His work brings to mind the coolness and alienation of Hopper.
Maybe Hopper was inspired by Hammershøi? 😉
Or possibly both wanted to be a modern Vermeer?
I think Hammerhøi's painting tell us who he was.
He was looking for those quiet moments in everyday life, that is happiness for the introverted. Things doesn't have to be grand to be beautiful.
As for Ida having her back turned. - There is something special in looking at the one you love, waiting for her to turn around and (hopefully) smile at you.
Maybe she was for his eyes only, there is also such a modesty and privacy about it all.
Hilda...as poignant as your comment. TY
@@petemavus2948 said it all Thank You Hilda
@@siggimund I forgot all about these comments and actually teared up when your alert reminded me...
"I see your eyes in my eyes through your eyes still water"
👍💜✌️
@@petemavus2948 Who's the poet behind that great quote? 👍💙
Ps! Still waters run deep (Just learned about that english proverb, but it seems kind of fitting to Hammerhøi's character)🙂
This was wonderful. I didn't know this painter before watching. His work gives me such an inner feeling of peace. Just lovely.
Laurie Cass I fact I have been a Hammershöi admirer for years. Rather than peace, I feel more tense and seeking answers. Michael Palin summarized too well a feeling of inadequacy that we both share.
@@sdouba interesting point, maybe something we need to just accept or chance destroying.
So glad to stumble upon this doc. Have loved H's work for years - surprised that I missed the doc first time around.
Wonderful painting. Speaks volumes in a soft voice.
Splendid documentary on an unheard of artist.
Thank you and “Michael Pylon” for this.
A very new friend of Hammershoi.
Extraordinary. Outstanding in every way. Thanks!
It's all interiors, isn't it? Me, inside my head, eyes gazing out, sitting in my kitchen looking into my computer screen at a video of a room somewhere in Copenhagen, seeing a painting of a portion of a corner with a window and wall. I feel as if I could look through that window and, if I could focus enough, see myself in my kitchen.
I love this artist! I totally understand him.
I love Palin. So intelligent and lively. :) I'm very moved by this documentary and artist.
This is a documentary on the edge of intriguing. I'm sure they never heard of each other, but, except for the very subdued colors, Hammershoi seems to have something in common with the American Edward Hopper: the simplification of figures and features, the use of architectural elements as the basis of composition, and the isolated figures that give a feeling of loneliness, even alienation.
I don't know much about art, but I know what I like... and I like Hopper's paintings very much. I also like, in particular, two Nordic painters: Edward Munch and a probably unknown painter called Samuel Mikines, but quite well known in the Faroe Islands where he was from - very gloomy paintings, many of which are set around funerals or proceedings related to funerals.
Yes. Great observation. I see some of Hammershoi in Andrew Wyeth's work, as well. The subdued color scheme, architectural studies, and single, often lonely appearing figures.
Juan Vélez I agree. I also love Hopper. Hammershoi, was someone I stumbled upon, but could never forget--partly I feel, because the shared inner atmosphere of an introvert is so recognizeable amongst introverts. That silence and stillness and haunting lonely feeling at times; its a breath of air to know that many of the great minds experienced the same. It is inspiring.
That was my first reaction...Hopper used light streaming through windows which creates a strange (in his case) sense of depth/space. I see them both as painters of light.
The at times diffuse, others stark, moments of perception and recognition of essence. An eloquent silence glimpsed from the corner of ones innermost mind's eye. Having heard, we too are witness.
What wonderful evocative music to accompany such an interesting and informative film.
Yes. (By Bach of course). I wonder if Palin had anything to do with the choice.
Very tastefully done, visually rich and understated, like the artist who I didn't know of before. Thank you Michael and BBC !
I recall a friend saying, after splitting with his girlfriend of 6 years, that when he first saw her he fell in love with the back of her head. To me that's what these pictures represent, a pure and lasting love. He doesn't need to see her face to portray her as loved, it shines as clear as his depiction of the light around her. Stunning.
Hammershoi painted a series of paintings of the same location (search and you will find). The light from back.... is from a glass window in a balcony with a door leading to it. In this painting it is evident how the door is hung (opens away from incoming light). The table will partially obstruct entry from either doors.... Freud at work.... may be. Social distancing.... may be. We love you Mr Palin, in all of your avatars.
Excellent. Palin does this so well. Most presenters irritate me...but he is un-intrusive.
you are the best, Michael...
Thank you, Michael.
What a wonderful series.
I am amazed with You Mr. Pailin! What an extraordinary presentation of such a humble and great artist. Wondering how many like Hamershoi patiently waiting to be discovered...
Thank you so much for sharing! I love Sir Michael Palin and the interpretation that he did of Hammershoi's painting.
Thanks for this lovely and interesting work. I love Hammershøy.
34:22 when he said "pining" my mind immediatly went to "the fjords?". oh my i guess i've been watching too many sketches. lovely documentary, though, i didn't know about hammershoi but now i'm fascinated!
Thank you Michael and crew.
Love Michael and this broadcast. Lotte Kjeldsen of Hirschsprung is lovely.
I realty enjoyed learning and most important viewing his wonderful painting, Thank you so much.
Glad to see that you are still having your trusted Billingham as a constant companion on your many travels, just like in the good old days..
Note: how the cinematography echoes Hammershoi's work...nice!
Thank you Mr. Palin for beautiful introduction to another artist and his work, all new to me. Fine and valuable job done! - 8-27-2021
Intriguing and lonely art works. Very interesting documentary about a painter I didn't know. Thanks for the teaching
Why is stillness most often seen as lonely ? Perpetuates a fear maybe?
I am surprised that Michael Palin does not mention the light, particularly in the interiors. It is not grey, at closer inspection, but a rich palette of greys or whites made luminescent with their complements and near complements. His closeness to Vermeer (whose walls are not just white either) is obvious, but Hammershoi unclutters them, ridding them of fabrics and objects, to allow the light flooding and dimming the spaces. He is also interested in the geometric arrangements of rectangles, walls, doors, windows, creating almost abstract compositions. This is also what he took from Whistler. Of course, being a Danish painter, he would not paint the sun-spun light of France like his Impressionist contemporaries, but the clear, crisp light you only find in the north.
Thank you for this upload, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It’s many years later, but because you 👍, I’ll be watching it, Oddie! Just got recommended.
@Jordan Thomas Nobody cares, bot.
@@mangot589 & @Mara Peregrine
Thank you so much for reaching out with your kind feedback 😊
I commented 4 years ago, can't even remember this. lol
@@ObsoleteOddity ✌️😄
Great atmospheric documentary with matching music. I am now an admirer of Hammershoi works.
One thing puzzles me, though. I was in Copenhagen 20 years ago and in the main gallery I could look at one of his interior masterpieces the "Young man reading", showing a man with a book while he is leaning against the wall near the window. This painting was not included in this video, not even mentioned, I wonder why. Is it not on display in Copenhagen any more?
Beautifully sensitive program about an artist I never knew. Thank you Michael!!
Sadly the annoying commercials interrupted at poignant moments.
To think the same man sang a terrific Lumber Jack song...after trying to exchange a dead Norwegian Blue (beautiful plumage!) for a slug... Great documentary!
Understated beauty and grace when mixed with the silence is the feeling I get when I see those beautiful paintings. Do we really need to know more than what the artist has communicated through his paintings?
Some of his things remind me of Andrew Wyeth's work - the same cool light and sense of restraint. I wonder if Wyeth knew of Hammershoi's paintings.
Also and more so Edward Hopper
K. S. K. Absolutely see H in Wyeth’s windows. Thank you.
I was thinking the same thing.
Me too. Totally blown away!
His paintings are like the zen state of meditation.
His paintings seem very contemplative.
Hammershoi is one of my favorite artists and this documentary makes me know more about him.
If you don't mind, I would like to ask your permission to share this video to the other website in China and I will attach to the source of this video.
Thanks you very much.
Since this video is not my property, but the BBC has been kind enough to let it be seen, I suppose you are welcome to share it, as long as it is not commercial!
Many thanks for this from Windsor, ON!
Love the brief scene near the end with MP in a black jacket, with his back to the camera, looking at the two paintings….
Michael Palin is a clever man.
Thanks anyway..found it..Bach prelude in C Major. Beautiful
I often think how long the hours must have been for people like Hammershoi's wife, with no occupation other than to keep her house tidy. Not even the ability to watch a good documentary like this one. I hope she was an avid reader.
A painting by Hammershoi just beat record price in Denmark today 11-29 - 2019 at 5.5 Millions Euros. For once big money goes wisely.
glad to hear. He was a wonderful artist.
@pproust thank you for explaining. I had no idea of this. I learnt something new. I want to be an artist myself.
@pproust It is like a mean pleasure to fantasise that so much will no more be available for Jeff Koons
@pproust One could dream that some François Pinault, big patron of Koons' and Hirst's would start populating his large Venice venues with authentic art work.
Bless the algorithms for popping up with this. I wonder if the artist liked windows and doors so much because they directed light and shadows.
I think he's making another documentary about Artemisia Gentileschi.
+Richard Price That would be a great idea! She's a magnificent artist!
Yes, that's complete and also available on UA-cam. Very nicely done! He's also got one on Wyeth.
What a sad sad person. I am not unfamiliar with difficult relations between couples and the complications of intimate life. Here are images that reflect the joy of life and fidelity to craft; but, show the intimate isolation in his heart with respect to his wife and her own internal sadnesses.
A beautiful testament to his loving kindness, acceptance of what might have been.
Many people don’t understand that painting is more a scientific endeavor rather than something as ethereal as they think. The ethereal starts after the painting is finished, not before. And the artist never know how it will all go or how will it end. It’s all a process of observation.
He preferred to not show faces after his wonderful painting of his sister wasn't recognized by the academy.
He preferred to show the mysterious beauty of an era that is long gone. He preferred to make us aware of the transcendent beauty of life, and of the transcendent beauty of light in scenes of everyday life. He preferred to make his talent known for the transcendent beauty of half-open doors. In his art, he preferred to hold on to a time frame between the leaving of the prodigal son and his return, leaving the doors half-open. He could return anytime.
You could turn those paintings into ideas for novels. Amazing programme
47:44 “Not one bottle”. What a great sense of humour!
For me Hammershoi evokes a timeless solitude reminiscent of Hopper.
A brilliant piece!
I've tried to watch this twice but cannot stay interested for more than 10 minutes
A lovely artist, and I have to admit I fell in love with Lotte Kjeldsen while watching this documentary..... ah, well.
Yes, she's beautiful. And isn't it shaming how well Europeans speak English! I can't imagine many English people speaking another language so fluently. But the Dutch, Germans and Scandinavians all seem to have English as a second language.
Sir Michael Palin is such a dude.
I like this serious side of Palin.
It's about the light!!!!
I truly enjoyed this! Thank you so much for opening my eyes to a Danish artist I didn't know anything about!
I love Michael Palin but I can never get "Biggus Dickus" out of my head !
That says more about you than about him, I think.
Lau bueno
Wait till biggus dickus hears of this !!
@@cosmiclino2080 Can’t wait.
My less sensitive take on Hammershoi is echoes of Vermeer with a Japanese like appreciation of the nape of a woman's neck as a beauty spot.
Clearly Vermeer and Whistler were influences. I also wonder whether Hammershoi influenced Edward Hopper, in turn. There are such intriguing parallels.
I was wondering that myself. I’m sure Hopper must have been influenced by Hammershoi.
She's protecting something vulnerable. It's obvious, but she will never give away what it is. But you probably already know.
Why some many videos blocked from viewing on your list, here in my country? how egotistical and rude from whomever owns them! greetings from El Salvador you all. Watching the unblocked ones has been awesome by the way. Thank you.
I don't think anyone who loves Michael Palin is ready for him to go. I'm not, that's for sure.
In spite of M.P.'s affectionate documentary, it's a limited discourse. Hammershoi's elevations deserve more imaginative response. There are metaphors at work, and, evidently, the 'confinements' transcend their confinement. Now there's a journey to follow.....
William ward very nice commentary
I am also haunted by Wilhelm, i can't stop thinking about him and his works especially his women
The five standing nudes are very powerful not the usual reclining nudes, but standing and strong
not passive but defiant in their nakedness.
Thank you for posting
There's a more recent artist that draws/paints cityscapes without people. Chicago, New York, etc. They are kind of surreal. I don't remember his name.
What is the beautiful piano piece starting at 7:10. Have been trying to remember what it is. Please!
The beginning of the Well-Tempered Clavier, Johan Sebastian Bach!
@@claudevarieras6397 * Johann
The paintings almost has a "sterile" feel to them, one painting has no people in it. Regardless it does make one think of what Vihelm and the subject is thinking. Just my thoughts.
Plenty of Tartarian Empire energy-free technology on view in the rooftops of K. castle (19mins)...
1 month ago I saw in the news that a Hammershøi was sold for 3,1 mil pounds
The woman in the painting is turning her head slightly to the right-hand door. Perhaps she hears someone talking on the other side or footsteps coming towards the door.
No, she's asking the painter how much longer it'll take.
I very much enjoyed this. I am wondering why a J.S. Bach for the piano? Why not a Danish composer? Thoughts?
I had the same thought. But which Danish composer? I can't think of any Danish music that would be suitable. And besides, in my humble opinion Bach is always better.
Does anyone know where I can obtain a copy of this program. I would like to give it to someone for a gift.
+Thunderbolt Chastain (get yourself a software to copy it here!)
Thank you, Mr. Johnson. I have just tried to purchase the DVD set from a number of sellers on Amazon UK. I got a message that it could not be delivered to me at my address in the USA.
Thank you. I'll check into that possibility.
One used one here: www.amazon.fr/gp/offer-listing/B0019496ZQ/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used
Merci, Merci. Amazon in France accepted my USA address. I have ordered the DVD. Claude Varieras
His paintings are beautiful…very much like Vermeer.
No, it's far too perilous!
4:20 He most likely didn't like painting faces. Anyone who has ever painted a face knows what a difficult daunting task it is.
I downloaded this Thank you
3rd Time watching this...🖤
So many questions about the painting at the beginning. Is she waiting for someone/something? She is waiting for someone to come through the door? If so, which door? Or have they just left? 🤔🤔🤔
The real question is that all the women in Hammershoi's scenes are turned away
00:02:38 the table pushed against the DOOR?
Sorry Mr P, no.
This has bugged me so much I've dropped a copy of the painting into fSpy to set up sightlines and laid the room out in Blender, the 3D modelling package (I'm a techie - don't judge me) and there is room to walk between the table and the door 😄👍
That's fantastic light, isn't it? Anybody have any idea which side of the flat this room is?
Pardon me, Quin, these are paintings; and you don't speak English.