Comments on: A Private Execution

By: Oscarandre

Oscarandre — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 10:03:20 +0000

Hi Beetales – I think I came across your post on that part of the dashboard called “Tag Surfer.” I hope you enjoy playing around – come visit again someday.

By: beetales

beetales — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 02:00:51 +0000

Thanks for your note of welcome. How did you find my blog? I’ve only just started playing around with it. I saw this painting at the National Gallery in London some years ago and was very struck by it… (tho’ perhaps partly influenced by having seen a movie on Lady Jane many years before).

By: oscarandre

oscarandre — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 08:40:06 +0000

Silvertiger – it is true that death is rarely romantic or even noble. But people do surprise at such times, don’t you think? How we will act may be as much of a surprise to ourselves as anyone else. With dignity, I hope, and maybe even at peace.
SWIB – Perhaps there is a certain peace that descends on any situation that has become inevitible. Although, I cannot say that this is true of a visit to the dentist…
H&H – This is a highly romanticised vision of an execution – and yet do some people go to such a fate calmly and even heroically? History shows us that this is possible. Oh, and I wish you a long life to 80 and beyond!

By: heavenandheck

heavenandheck — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:58:11 +0000

The two women in the background appear to be mourners. I’m sure this is a much romanticised version of the actual execution, don’t you? I can’t imagine having life snuffed out at such an early age and just willingly walking into it. As for aging and views on death, yes, I’m sure I’ll be “ready,” someday, but not until I reach my 80’s at least!!

By: shewalksinbeauty

shewalksinbeauty — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 19:05:57 +0000

The scene is very gentle and calming which is almost unnerving considering the size of the axe the exocutioner is holding. There is a certain sweetness to it as well. It certainly depicts human kindness in the face of death in trying to help someone come to a dignified end…even if that end is by their own hand. A bit “Kevorkian” if you will.

I am only put off by the scene in the background. The woman facing away from us troubles me.

By: SilverTiger

SilverTiger — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 09:08:21 +0000

Unfortunately, we are not always in control of ourselves at the moment of death. When young I often rehearsed wise and brave things to say as my life ebbed away with calm dignity but age has taught me that too often the brain precedes the body into dissolution and death is a messy undignified affair. The painter's desire to turn Jane into a Romantic heroine naturally ennobles his view of her death. Email SilverTiger