The Boodles National Gallery Collection - Brushstokes | Boodles
One of the joys of visiting the National Gallery in person is the opportunity to get up really close to a masterpiece, to explore it's intricate details. At a close look, you’re often struck by the shape of the brushstrokes. This collection is inspired by the swish of the brush by artists such as Cezanne and Van Gogh.Brushstokes
One of the joys of visiting the National Gallery in person is the opportunity to get up really close to a masterpiece, to explore it's intricate details. At a close look, you’re often struck by the shape of the brushstrokes. This collection is inspired by the swish of the brush by artists such as Cezanne and Van Gogh.
Opposite: Paul Cezanne, 1839–1906
Bathers (Les Grandes Baigneuses) (detail), about 1894-1905
Paul Cezanne’s Avenue at Chantilly, 1888, Hillside in Provence , about 1890-2 and
Bathers (Les Grandes Baigneuses), about 1894-1905, all inform our new ‘Brushstrokes’ suite. Cezanne’s loose, open use of oil paint – developed from his work with watercolours – suggests dashing, dynamic motion. Boodles designers sought to bring to life the ‘swoosh’ of his brush in the bracelet, earrings and collar. The ‘Brushstrokes’ ring is one of the stars of the show: at its heart, an 18.64 carat aquamarine.
“My brushstroke has no system at all. I hit the canvas with irregular touches of the brush, which I leave as they are.”
Van Gogh
Paul Cezanne, 1839–1906
Avenue at Chantilly (detail), 1888
Paul Cezanne, 1839-1906
Hillside in Provence (detail), about 1890-2
Behind the design
To create this collection, Boodles designers had special access to the Gallery, gaining valuable insight on the detail of the Gallery’s treasures which inspired unique and wearable works of art.
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Discover the collection
Perspective
Giovanni Antonio Canal – ‘Canaletto’–was famed for his vedute, or views of the city, and renowned for his skill at perspective. The pieces in this collection mirror his architectural style and the use of reflection in his works.
Motherhood
The theme of motherhood also runs through some of the Gallery paintings. Throughout centuries this is a subject matter that never wavers, and we’ve taken inspiration from this sense of continuity for this collection.
Play of Light
A play of light is what jewellery is all about. The subtle shimmer of stones, the soft lustre of pearls and the delicate sheen of gold and platinum. This collection is inspired by the play of light used throughout some of the world’s most famous Impressionist Masterpieces.
All paintings ©The National Gallery, London