Eye Candy for Today: Joaquim Vayreda’s Beginning of Spring

Comments

4 responses to “Eye Candy for Today: Joaquim Vayreda’s Beginning of Spring”

1. 

   Bill Marshall

   March 15, 2016

   Interesting painting for all the reasons you noted, Charley, but as a garden designer/builder, I am disturbed by, and want to know the story behind those huge, “butchered” trees!

   Bill
2. 

   ælle

   March 16, 2016

   It’s called ‘pollarding’, Bill.
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
   https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=156
   1. 

      Charley Parker

      March 16, 2016

      Thanks, ælle.

      Yes, you frequently see “pollard willows” in Dutch paintings in particular, both contemporary and historic. Those of us in the U.S. tend to forget how long Europe has been heavily populated, and how resources, even tree branches, are often treated quite differently. You’ll sometimes see a similar effect on crepe myrtles, which misguided owners have trimmed this way to force more blossoms.
3. 

   Bill Marshall

   March 16, 2016

   Yes, I am familiar with pollarding, but haven’t seen it done on trees that are so large. Usually the practice begins at the height to be controlled. Then, I could be perceiving the scale incorrectly, and the cows could be further in the distance.