The photo prompt this week is courtesy of Ted Strutz. His photo of the Icon Grill in Seattle has prompted many stories from the talented group of people who, each week, submit a story or poem to Friday Fictioneers, which is hosted assiduously by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields.
Genre: Historical fiction
Word Count: 100
VINCENT
Hunched over a glass of absinthe, he listens to des prostituees making their arrangements with the drunks in the corner.
The pain in his head is back again.
He drains the glass, reaches for the small canvas at his feet and hands it to Albert; they also have an arrangement.
His paintings, though brighter than ever, remain unsold. The allowance from his beloved brother is not enough.
Later, as Albert hangs the new painting of a vase of flowers next to one showing a pipe on a straw chair, he shakes head.
They are worthless, but they brighten the walls.
(Vincent Van Gogh, spent some of his last years in Arles in the South of France. Amongst others, he painted many scenes of café life. One entitled The Night Café, is of the interior of the Café de la Gare, allegedly frequented by prostitutes– des prostituees and drunks. They could stay all night if they had nowhere else to go. It is reported that he gave the picture to the owner in settlement of his debts. Although he painted many hundreds of paintings, he sold only one during his lifetime and was supported by an allowance from his brother Theo. Although these facts have been documented, the story above is entirely from my imagination).
I love this – transported to another time in only 100 words. Don’t you wish Van Gogh could have known of his ultimate success as an artist?
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Thank you for reading, so pleased that you liked it. It would have been brilliant if he could have known how successful he would become.
Dee
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unsung greatness. Thank you for the information
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Yes it certainly was.
Thank you for reading
Dee
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Your use of “des prostituees” is so perfect. The French that is normally so much associated with high society, used for such a frowned-upon profession. Perfect.
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Thank you for reading, glad you liked the story
Dee
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Well done. This is probably a true story.
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Thank you. It could well be true when you consider the life he led.
Thanks for reading
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Really enjoyed this. Drinking away your art… A nice French feel to this.
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Drinking away your art…. I like that!
Thanks Sandra
Enjoy your trip
Dee
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I enjoyed this very much, darling — and while I am very familiar with Van Gogh’s biography, you should be happy to know that your story didn’t require the lovely history you wrote afterward — it held up on it’s own. I look forward to reading more of your work.
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Thank you for the compliment and for reading.
Look forward to reading more from you too.
Dee
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Most creative people are unappreciated in their time. I wish Albert had an idea of how much Van Gogh’s work would be worth in modern times.
Beautiful piece. I enjoyed reading it.
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Yes that is so true.
Thank you for reading, I’m pleased that you liked the story
Dee
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Thank you for reading. Wouldn’t it have been amazing to have all that art on your walls, even for a short while.
Dee
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I really enjoyed this – there’s a sense of sadness but also – knowing the eventual ending – a sense of joy as well.
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Thank you, I’m glad you liked it
Dee
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This was really good. I didn’t realize it was Vincent Van Gogh at first, then when I did I was shocked. Thank you for the history lesson too. Poor Vncent. I just love that song Starry Starry Night by Don Mclean about him too.
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Thank you for reading, I’m glad you liked it. The Don McLean song is just wonderful.
Dee
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So many painters in and around that time were very poor. What a shame! I agree that your story stood on its own. I was expecting the loss of an ear, perhaps, so I’m glad that didn’t happen Very nice!
janet
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Thank you Janet.
I decided to set the piece before the full self destructive phase took hold of him. The latter part of his life was so tragic.
Are you still travelling up and down the east coast?
Dee
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I finally stopped (for about a week) but will soon be headed back to Cleveland for the final push to get the house ready to put on the market. Then I’m praying for a quick sale so we can get moved and both in one place again. It’s been much to long. Thanks for asking. Enjoy the weekend!
janet
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Oh I hope you get lucky and sell straightaway. It must be so difficult having to fit in so much travelling along with everything else.
Be thinking of you both
Take care
Dee
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Thanks, Dee. Much appreciated.
janet
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I really liked this. Poor Vincent. The mad genius. Life was hard for him.
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Thank you. I think you’re right. He didn’t or couldn’t help himself, his brother supported him until the end of his life.
Thank you for reading
Dee
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Very nicely done, Dee. The setting and the emotions come through clearly.
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Thanks for reading Sandra, glad you liked it
Dee
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I enjoyed your bringing Vincent to life in your story. I could feel his sadness and pessimism here, such a shame. One can hope he felt much brighter while he painted.
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Thank you very much for your kind comment.
I hope he did too
Dee
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Dear Dee,
A beautifully written historical fiction. No secret that it’s my favorite genre.
Are you familiar with the song “Vincent” by Don McClean? If not here’s the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk
Shalom,
rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
I’m so pleased that you liked it.
The Don McLean song is a favourite, thank you for the link. It was good to hear it again.
Take care
Dee
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You really described the mood and feel of both your character and the bar very well. I felt like I understood where he was at. Also, I loved the Van Gogh tie-in.
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Thank you.
I’m so pleased that you liked the story.
Thanks for reading
Dee
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Grimm had a mention of Van Gogh this last week.
Good post!
Scott
Mine: http://kindredspirit23.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/friday-fictioneers-5102013-genre-horror-humor-pg13/
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Thank you Scott, for the link and for reading
Dee
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wish i’d been that bar owner – or better still his granddaughter so the painting would be worth something! great little tale 🙂
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Thank you and thanks for reading
Dee
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Visited the Van Gogh museum last spring, and this brought back a lot of memories.
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Thanks for reading Bjorn, hope you enjoyed your visit.
Dee
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Of course, and I think it’s closed for renovation now…
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I think it re-opened in 1 May – we are hoping to visit in August/September time
Dee
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You’re right 🙂 have fun
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Thank you 🙂
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wonderful take on the prompt and thank you for the information, really fascinating 🙂
and i loved the last line ^^
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Thanks for reading kz
Glad you liked the story
Dee
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A wonderful story Dee, Well done in just a few descriptive words that revealed much. One of my favorite artists! Thank you! 🙂
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Hi Penny
Thanks for reading. He’s one of my favourites too, so sad he never knew how sought after his work would become.
Dee
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This photo also made me think of van Gogh and the cafes he painted. I’m still not sure if that’s him in the painting, but it really does look like him. I hope he somehow knows how much everyone appreciates his work these days.
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I must admit I didn’t notice the small picture of the man in the middle of the wall, until someone highlighted it.
Thanks for reading
Dee
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