I can't really say why I have never researched or looked further into one of my favourite paintings of The Art Gallery of NSW. I've stared countless times at "The Sons of Clovis II" a daunting painting by French painter Évariste Vital Luminais. Maybe the fact that I just enjoyed it for so long, was motivation to now take this further...take it to google.
I mean honestly during my teens, I can't even remember paying much attention to the information panel next to the painting...it didn't matter.

'Les enervés de Jumièges' or ' The sons of Clovis II' by Évariste Vital Luminais

Its sheer size (190.7 x 275.8cm) lends itself to be imposing on the viewer and we are transfixed on these two sons and the obviously miserable predictament they seem to be in. How could I have not been intrigued enough to find out more? I was studying art and I loved this painting. I can't remember it never being in the AGNSW.  Although it's puzzling, in hindsight, I guess it was meant to be! Right now as I 'Google' and discover facts about this work, I realise inspiration comes at the time it is supposed to. I guess the same can be said about people in your life and the connections you make. Some may say it's already written.

Regardless of why and when I delved deeper, the story behind the painting is interesting...even if it's not true.

Regent Sainte Bathilde, the wife of Clovis II was alarmed by her sons rebellion against their father (who had travelled to Jerusalem during the crusades), she had them hamstrung and sent adrift on a barged down the Seine. Legend has it that they ran aground at the abbey of Jumièges and all was reconciled with the sons and parents. So what is the purpose of this legend...I guess to show the almighty power of the King's reign and also the goodness of the church. It is my guess that this is then  the propaganda of it's time.

Apart from the story behind the painting, I was also curious as to how it came to be at AGNSW, so upon reading on the AGNSW website I have discovered it was purchased in Paris in 1886...6 years after it was painted.....the source is not known. Apparently this was not the original version which shocked onlookers in the Paris Salon in 1880.

It's difficult to imagine the shock value of a painting. We are borbarded with shocking imagery constantly. In art there is nothing that has not been done before, so can art no longer shock?? I highly doubt that a painting in this present day can shock at all. After all we have television and the internet. But pre-tv and computer age...well people believed what they sure, heard and read much more (I would like to think this is totally true, but alas there are some dumb people in the world).

So if this was not the original version,  the 'facts' on the AGNSW are a little hyped. In total there are 3 versions of this painting. Two of which reside in Rouen, France. Personally I prefer the detail in 'our' one and believe it speaks volumes ove rthe other two in terms of the gaunt appearance or the sons and also the wretched predicament they face. And regardless of it's claim on being the original or not...I'm proud to have such a painting in my city since 1886.

So although it took me more than 20 years to find out more about this painting, I am glad I did afterall. Not only was I informed of this legend, but I also discovered some pretty cool stuff on the AGNSW website and found this cool clip. Lyrics aside though...I found it a little inspiring to find this in this way as elements of it are not dissimilar  to some elements of 365wordgirl....and perhaps those elements are still in my mind. I guess we will see......

The Sons of Clovis from Jurgen on Vimeo.