Claude Monet’s painting Water Lilies illuminates a pond of water lilies by transitioning from darker shades around the edges to lighter ones in the middle. The lilies are spread out just enough apart to make them somewhat recognizable. If not looked at closely this could be viewed as a patch of colors. There is a dewy look because of the different shades of greens and blues Monet chose to use. While there may be a central point within the painting, the viewers’ eyes can easily scan the entire painting as a whole.
The scene appears impeccably balanced in every aspect, however actually has more weight on one side than the other because of the thickness of the lilies and how close they are together. Upon viewing this painting there is a appreciation of peace based on the smoothness in each stroke vertical and circular. Certainly not everyone will have the same feelings and it could be easily perceived negatively because of blurred and dreary colors.
Robert Hayden’s poem “Monet’s Water Lilies” speculates that while there is evil in the world, there is always a special place to escape whether inside a book, a quiet corner at a coffee house, a poem or even a painting. Hayden’s poem brings Monet’s painting alive by exposing his escape from devastation to the beauty and peace he seeks within this piece of art. Within the first stanza attention is conveyed that the painting is where Hayden escapes to find serenity when he is reminded of those corrupt times.
Often, reminded of the civil rights movement and Vietnam War, he finds peace within the painting: “Today as the news from Selma and Saigon poisons the air like fallout, I come again to see the serene, great picture that I love” (lines 1-4) The poem draws attention to the perception of light, which is engrossed on the darker edges and transitions lighter towards the center. It is the blurred water lilies that Hayden reflects upon within “O light beheld as through refracting tears” (Line11). It is this description that shows a loss of innocence overshadowed by evil.
Although he talks about evil in the beginning he continues to show the harmony of finding one thing to remind us of the good in the world. Without sorrow we can’t have joy as he expresses “Here is the shadow of its joy” (line 14). “Here space and time exist in light” permits one to let go of the dark things that may be overwhelming and depressing at that moment and focus only on the perfect world that brings you comfort. When comparing the poem to the painting I would have to say my interpretation wasn’t far off. Upon looking at the painting see a calm setting focused around peace.
It would be a great place to lie on a blanket and read a book. However, it wasn’t until reading the poem that I realized Hayden used the actual painting itself to find serenity. I did not find anything evil within the painting, but clearly understand his logic now upon reading his poem on leaving the devastation behind and getting lost within the colors and brightness of the lilies. The painting is realistic and shows perceptions of balance and peace. It is a fun piece of art that would bring happiness to those who viewed it. However, the poem begins with a perception of evil.
It isn’t until we read the poem fully that we become aware that the poem isn’t about the painting itself, but essentially Hayden keeping his sanity by visiting a museum and losing himself within the art. The details within the poem are specific to a time of devastation, however we could not pick that out of the painting. Upon reading the poem and reviewing the painting again, I can see where one could pick out the similarity of peace and escaping the immoral thoughts within our lives. Robert Hayden does a great job expressing the poison that existed in the era of Selma and Saigon.
He viewed the painting as an escape from those shattering times. Monet used such light and shadows to help bring life to his paintings to draw the viewer in to a much better place. Based on the poem and painting together we should continue to seek and remember that there is still good and beauty in this world. Whether we find comfort within a book, coffee house or even visiting a museum to be consumed by the beauty of art, then by all means, we need to do so. Without the calm and serenity in our lives, we will just continue to be a part of the insanity that surrounds us.
