COURTYARDS IN DELFT by Derek Mahon
Event Details
The Courtyard of a House in Delft is a 1658 painting by the Dutch Golden Age painter Pieter de Hooch, which hangs in the National Gallery London. The painting shows domestic architecture typical of the period and the location. The artist devotes as much care and attention to capturing the details and textures of the building and courtyard as he does to portraying the three people in the picture: two women and a child. Mahon uses an examination of the painting and his response to explore wide-ranging themes and his own history.
Belfast-born Derek Mahon (1941-2020) was part of a generation of young poets from Northern Ireland who rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s. He is now regarded as one of the most talented and influential poets of the late 20th century.
Over the course of two hours, through repeated readings and discussion, we will uncover the many meanings of this acclaimed poem.
SALON DETAILS:
- Facilitated by Caroline Hammond
- Single meeting study, Wednesday 14 June 2023, 6.00-8.00 pm (UK)
- £30 including background materials and opening notes
- Recommended edition: New Selected Poems by Derek Mahon, The Gallery Press, ISBN 978 1 85235 665 1 (the poem can also be read on the Poetry International website).
