Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Caravaggio and His Followers" by John Ashbery is a deeply evocative and reflective poem that weaves together themes of art, memory, and the elusive nature of understanding. Known for his abstract and often enigmatic style, Ashbery creates a narrative that is both poetic and thought-provoking, inviting deep contemplation on the nature of perception and the impact of art on the human experience.

The poem opens with the speaker expressing admiration for Caravaggio, despite acknowledging limited knowledge of his work. This sets a tone of humble appreciation and curiosity, a recognition of the profound effect an artist can have even with incomplete understanding.

The mention of Caravaggio's followers, such as Mattia Preti and Luca Giordano, and their artistic endeavors – particularly Giordano's struggle with the "secret of the foxgloves" – introduces a theme of artistic pursuit and the often elusive quest for beauty and meaning in art.

The image of bread and wine sent up to cheer Giordano, coupled with the persistent mystery of the foxgloves, symbolizes the sustenance and solace that art provides, as well as the enduring mysteries and challenges it presents.

The contemplation of what might be "Italian" and the comparison to similar experiences in Iowa introduces a theme of universality in human experience, the idea that certain elements of life and perception transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

The speaker's recollection of a woman's words about flowers taking flight like missiles captures a moment of whimsy and transformation, reflecting the poem's exploration of the transformative power of nature and perception.

The encouragement to look out of the window to see "where the difference has been made" suggests an invitation to observe the world more closely, to notice the subtleties and changes that occur around us.

The "song of the shrubbery" and the "mystery of what we are made of" speak to the interplay between the natural world and the deeper existential questions that preoccupy us.

The imagery of the wide avenue, the trees with peeling bark, and the decision to wait or cross when the light changes alludes to life's choices and the paths we take, metaphorically represented by the journey across a street.

The reference to Luca Giordano and the "sapphire folds of a shot-silk bodice" he might have painted adds a layer of aesthetic beauty and historical reference, tying the poem back to its artistic themes.

The closing lines, with the mention of Henny Penny and Turkey Lurkey, add a whimsical, almost fairy-tale quality to the poem's contemplation of impending doom or uncertainty. The final scene in the museum, where artworks whisper to each other after the guards have gone, beautifully captures the idea that art has its own life and conversations, independent of human interpretation.

"Caravaggio and His Followers" is a richly layered and imaginative poem that invites readers to ponder the complexities of art, memory, and the human quest for understanding and beauty. Ashbery’s use of vivid imagery, historical references, and abstract thought creates a narrative that resonates with the depth and intricacy of the artistic experience.

POEM TEXT:  https://ashberyhouse.yale.edu/caravaggio-and-his-followers

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