BBC4 - Michael Palin and the Mystery of Hammershoi

A poetic voyage in the paintings of Danish artist Vilhelm Hammershoi with Michael Palin. Broadcast on BBC Four on June 29 2008, I do not own the rights on this program.

[@timothyprice1407]

I've never heard of Hammershoi until now. Thank you once again Michael!

[@accidentalpatient4152]

Every documentary Michael makes is great. What a pleasant middle of the night watch.

[@charlkriek4863]

Breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful.

[@izabelafirmowska1414]

I am a friend of Hammershoi. He's my favourite painter.

[@49minutesago]

Note: how the cinematography echoes Hammershoi's work...nice!

[@aryehfinklestein9041]

Having just discovered the intriguing Hammershoi myself, I was thrilled to know that Michael Palin made a film about him! Many thanks for posting this. Palin's various documentaries and travelogues are consistently superb. John Cleese ( doubtless accurately ) called his friend the only "normal" member of the Python group, and this really comes through. He's genuine and sincere and interested and boasts not an ounce of affectation - always a pleasure to watch.

[@mariamason1919]

I have always loved Michael. He was my favorite "Python." I can't help but imagine him asking to have an "argument" with some of the people he meets along his journeys. Such a lovely and intelligent man. Thank you Michael for introducing me to Hammershoi. This doc is one of my favorite from BBC Four. Incredibly well done. I love how they matched the lightening to Hammershoi's paintings. My favorite thing about the internet are the lovely surprises we find.

[@elliebellie7816]

Interior, I think she's petting a kitten.

[@AndrewSmith-xp3sc]

I met Michael recently at a hotel I was staying in. I can assure you he is exactly as you think he is! Utterly charming, fascinating, and he made me feel as though we were best chums forever. Only five minutes interrupting his breakfast, but what you see is what you get I suspect with Mr Palin!

[@CarlOttersen]

Thanks Michael.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I wish Michael Palin would live forever, so that he could keep on making these programs indefinitely. Yes, I'm selfish. ;)

[@carlpen850]

+teppolundgren --Let's be Frank about this, on second thought you be Frank... I like being who I am. You're not only a shell fish guy, I think you're only in it for the money. PS-- I always liked Palin, he was great on Monty Python's TV shows & great in all their movies.

[@Nautilus1972]

You'll be dead in about 30 years!

[@RealAlaska907]

I know a Palin, but cannot say I wish the same after knowing her.

[@JenPurple2022]

teppolundgren q.

[@celestialteapot309]

I didn't know he was ill.

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

I stumbled on this doc about a painter I had never heard of. Wow, I am so glad that I did. I Love his work! Thank you for educating me

[@alysononoahu8702]

I like this new artist too

[@52daytripper]

yep, me too, but I like all the programs Michael Palin has done, and this one did not disappoint, it was very good indeed

[@hogwashmcturnip8930]

@@52daytripper There is an even better one called Artemesia Undaunted that showed up because I had watched this

[@kathymyers7279]

Hogwash McTurnip same!

[@peterjosephjones9608]

Absolutely 100% agree. Stumbled upon, the art and artist, production values, cinematography, music and of course Michael. I would have laid heavy odds against me spending an evening watching a documentary about an obscure Danish artist I had never heard of....and even more against thoroughly enjoying it.

[@shellyhazel9628]

Hammershoi has reached a soul on the the wind swept, snowy plains of Montana today. Thank you.

[@mdenmark604]

What a moving, engaging comment. I’m sure Hammershøi would have found things to paint in exceptional Montana....

[@ivydickson7596]

And another in wintery Auckland, New Zealand.

[@woodlander9634]

And another, in the woods of Minnesota

[@williamjcward]

I am interviewed by Michael Palin, from 4' 30' to about 6' 30" - since I live now in the flat where Hammershoi lived in London in 1905/6

[@lindadobson9854]

William Ward.... Wow!! That's neat!

[@PetroicaRodinogaster264]

William Ward I was impressed with the descriptive way you spoke about the comings and goings observed from the window, quite poetic. Were they your own or scripted? I have my fingers crossed they were your own, much more pleasing.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

You are fortunate indeed - I would think the flat would be a good place to produce imaginative work.

[@swannavon]

Yes! What a lovely place to have a flat!

[@aryehfinklestein9041]

First-rate interview....kudos.

[@jonsilence]

Long a Hammershoi fan, it was a joy for me to discover this revealing and intriguing exploration of his life and work. Michael Palin is sensitive, engaging and personable, and researcher Lotte Kjeldsen is captivating and hauntingly charming. Thank you for a magical and revelatory presentation.

[@MickAngelhere]

His paintings are amazing and I think they a beautiful stillness about them with the figure with her back to us. I think the intention is for us to take in and absorb a moment in time that has been caught in a painting otherwise would’ve been lost to time. The paintings are beautiful, mysterious, showing us the eternal rhythm of time .

[@gssheriff7278]

I believe that having some mystery left to an artist makes the art more intriguing.

[@paulwoodford1984]

yes, this is why all these modern artists who post themselves relentlessly online today don’t interest me. No mystery at all. Hammershoi is in a whole new league. He was a master even in his teen years. That work was astounding for someone so young

[@wheatgerm1208]

What a delightful and edifying video. My limited knowledge of art history has been expanded. Lovely works.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Michael Palin has such an appealing style of communication, a very gifted and likable chap

[@DeboraNorton]

I love this artist! I totally understand him.

[@billbligh4547]

Splendid documentary on an unheard of artist. Thank you and “Michael Pylon” for this. A very new friend of Hammershoi.

[@ironpirites]

I love Hammershoi's work and I'm glad that Michael Palin has brought it to a larger public. For me, painting is a kind of visual love. I think Hammershoi loved Ida and was always reaching out to her, even when her back was turned, maybe especially when her back was turned.

[@verawarren2893]

I love the little nonchalant nude walk they take, with scarves & boots! Wonderful how they threw in that nod to the artist and his brother! A light-hearted touch! Michael Palin is a gem!

[@musicswimsbacktome6201]

I’m way too young to be in love with Michael Palin, but the more documentaries of his I watch, the more charming he becomes. 😍

[@clarekuehn4372]

I love Palin. So intelligent and lively. :) I'm very moved by this documentary and artist.

[@conwayde]

Excellent documentary on a great, underrated artist.

[@TS50ER]

It's wonderful how a well-produced documentary can enable one to have a, albeit small understanding, of a person or subject matter that one knew nothing about prior to viewing.

[@DaveSCameron]

TS50ER : Indeed yes, quite remarkable...

[@bodegabreath4258]

Thank you. Quality programming.

[@pereast]

Fantastic! Michael Palin is such a cultured and knowledgable person. When he shares his findings, you are left with a sense of wonder.

[@TenniellesChannel]

What kind of person thumbs down Micheal Palin 🤔 it really must take all kinds. Loved it 😍

[@simonegad]

spectacular paintings by hammershoi! and i adore michael palin-his programs for the bbc 4 are sensational.

[@bealtainecottage]

Enchanting music, wonderful artist...and, of course, the man Michael himself!

[@natashaillsley4613]

Sign me up to The Friends of Hammershoi! So very beautifully done.

[@janisvogt1079]

It must be magnificent to actually visit the rooms as painted.....like placing yourself inside the painting. Wonderful!

[@motorcyclelad]

I’ve loved Michael Palin’s shows since watching around the world in 80 days and “pole to pole” in the early 90s as a kid.

[@annareid-taylor6338]

Just discovered this - I love Hammerjoi’s work and Michael Palin - this a pleasant discovery to be watched again.

[@eddiemunster2196]

I honestly could not explain how much I have enjoyed this video with Michael Palin As we began traveling across Europe from England to Holland. And with many other countries, in between. How we have studied different paintings and expressions of the rod iron fencing the Palaces and the castles, but you know it is quite intriguing of how she faces the wall and always we see is the back of her neck with a partial open doors as Michael has said many times in his video. I'm going to personally investigate the many paintings of that interesting flat that they lived in with so many paintings he has created so to the individual that uploaded this video. I would like to personally thank you because I've enjoyed this airlock of Bill helm the artist extensively thank you

[@beautypablotamarini7315]

Oh...this is so sooo magnificent👏👏👏This must be deeply loved. Bravo

[@luisaf.v.cleaves9412]

Fascinating!

[@keep_it_real_1]

Beautifully done documentary Michael...the first i have heard of this artist.. absolutely amazing...did anyone else catch their breath when the edge of the folded painting was shown displaying the lady? Wonderful.

[@margarethall7837]

Yes I did

[@maryanneforish4447]

What a joy to discover this wonderful artist.

[@elleh3495]

There seems a connection between so many works that evoke a sense of stillness. Hopper, A Wyeth, Japanese architecture, Hammershoi, Frank Lloyd Wright. Silence is the connection.

[@mizofan]

Gwen John

[@knoxrembrandt]

Danke vielmals für diesen wunderbaren Film über einen wunderbaren Maler.

[@NoImSpartacus]

What a gift! I had not heard of Hammershoi…. I’m intrigued, and what a gift Michael Pallin is to us all!

[@berniemccann8935]

To know so much more about Hammershoi from this fascinating programme described by Michael who, obviously, feels so much for the artist. We must feel very grateful to him. Would that there could be other Palins with knowledge of other artists to produce other documentaries.

[@safol123]

I am coming soon 😊.

[@margaretfarquhar9567]

I am a friend and admirer of Hammershoi's works. His paintings are ethereal and mystical Works that dont need bright colours to express his need to be subtle and interior There are certain mentalities who are like that and he paints for us. I adore his works

[@petercrossley2956]

I am interested to see the whole catalogue of Hammershoi's output. As a "friend and admirer", can you direct me to an on-line site to get a more comprehensive view than this documentary offers ? Any help you can provide would be most appreciated. Thank you. -- Peter Crossley, Toronto

[@petemavus2948]

@@petercrossley2956 Re Pete ;) same here !

[@sean..L]

I think it’s the the introversion and conservatism of Vermeer’s work that captured Hammershøi’s creative mind. It was mentioned that his wife was very shy and quiet and i think he saw beauty in that. He loved painting the hidden beauties that are overlooked.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

I think you have put your finger on it exactly.

[@sean..L]

@@tamaliaalisjahbana9354 Thank you and thank you again for bringing me back to this great art documentary which I completely forgot about.

[@tamaliaalisjahbana9354]

@@sean..L That is my pleasure and delight!

[@susanhepburn6040]

Thank you very much for posting this. What a fascinating and underrated painter.

[@linengray]

It is videos like this that make me love KZbin. Discovering an artist who has been overlooked and now gets the attention he deserved.

[@philjamieson5572]

Thanks for putting this on here. It's intriguing.

[@sharkamov]

This timetravel in Hammershøi's footsteps, couldn't possibly be done in a better way . . . . Thank you Michael!

[@caturdaynite7217]

It is like time travel, especially since a lot of what he painted is still there and pretty much unchanged by time.

[@julyandavis8528]

Lovely, gentle documentary.

[@divaden47]

Wonderful painting. Speaks volumes in a soft voice.

[@MiaFeigelsonArt]

Thanks for having uploaded one of the most interesting and fascinating Art Documentaries I've ever watched !!!!!

[@mediolanumhibernicus3353]

His work brings to mind the coolness and alienation of Hopper.

[@Sonderborg75]

Maybe Hopper was inspired by Hammershøi? 😉

[@scarletpimpernelagain9124]

Or possibly both wanted to be a modern Vermeer?

[@anonnymous595]

It's not about the people in Hammershoi's work, it's about angles and geometric shapes and how the light is interwoven into the patterns. That is what drew his attention. That is evident in all his work.

[@DancinFool]

Love Michael and this broadcast. Lotte Kjeldsen of Hirschsprung is lovely.

[@roycolangelo9521]

you are the best, Michael...

[@joanofarc33]

Wow. He had me from hello. Thank you for this sincere, intimate search for and introduction to Hammershoi.

[@kimjameson7979]

Thank you, Michael.

[@shekharpatel]

Hammershoi painted a series of paintings of the same location (search and you will find). The light from back.... is from a glass window in a balcony with a door leading to it. In this painting it is evident how the door is hung (opens away from incoming light). The table will partially obstruct entry from either doors.... Freud at work.... may be. Social distancing.... may be. We love you Mr Palin, in all of your avatars.

[@scj00380]

It was after a repeat of this programme last week on TV (BBC4 May 2024) that I ordered a book on Hammershoi as I was so enamoured by his work. Thank you, Michael, for introducing me to this wonderful painter.

[@wjpaulmarquartscholtz7312]

What a lovely program. And so well made, with Palin as the genuinely interested guide. And all those pleasant, beautiful people, in London, Holland and Denmark. A great painter discovered, indeed re-discovered. A real eye-opener. Thank you, Marja.

[@MrTorleon]

Fascinating and informative, in the quiet understated way that Michael Palin does so well - brilliant !

[@petemavus2948]

Yes TY Michael.

[@Vejur9000]

What a wonderful series.

[@mariacristinalastrabelgran1258]

Extraordinary. Outstanding in every way. Thanks!

[@suechaffey907]

What wonderful evocative music to accompany such an interesting and informative film.

[@skakdosmer]

Yes. (By Bach of course). I wonder if Palin had anything to do with the choice.

[@palespectre]

This was truly beautiful and poignant. Hammershoi's artworks are so emotional that they move me to tears.

[@momsterzz]

pop art heart really? 🙄

[@rachelring2542]

He had a different perspective. Super, clean, simple, quiet.

[@petemavus2948]

To me it shows such a purity of intent as if anything but is superfluous minimal yet voluptuous... with great discretion Yes, I remember it well. With love, P.

[@flyinspirals]

How wonderful. One doesn't really need to guess, but given his wife's modesty, it seems like a compromise they reached: he wanted to paint her very much, and she wanted very much not to be put on display for the world. Lovely.

[@knoxrembrandt]

Thank you, Michael Palin to this wonderful movie about great Art.

[@drjulia6860]

So glad to stumble upon this doc. Have loved H's work for years - surprised that I missed the doc first time around.

[@rgh7399]

This one of the best art videos I have watched. Sir Michael does his usual outstanding presentation. And the music was very complementary. The photography is excellent-especially the cello and piano scene. Thank you, Michael

[@marco1507able]

Thanks for this lovely and interesting work. I love Hammershøy.

[@audioupgrades]

It's ironic that Palin is looking for the darkness in Hammershoi, who is known as a painter of light. Hammershoi probably understood that if you put a human face in a painting, it steals the attention from everything else in the frame. A turned back adds a human interest but it doesn't command the full attention of the beholder. Thereby you get a calm and balanced picture. Vermeer did a similar thing with small faces partially turning away.

[@voraciousreader3341]

I’m sorry, I don’t agree with your statements. Great painters of the past were masters of composition, each in their own way, and I’m sure they understood color and how they wanted to use it to express their highly individual visions. And just because Vermeer painted a few people with their faces slightly averted, I don’t believe that’s nearly a strong enough argument to explain why Hammershoi frequently painted his wife from the back. From what I’ve read, there appears to have been a much more prosaic reason why he did that: she was intensely shy.

[@audioupgrades]

@@voraciousreader3341 She would be shy towards her husband. He also did paint her face a few times.

[@daydreambeliever6603]

This was wonderful. I didn't know this painter before watching. His work gives me such an inner feeling of peace. Just lovely.

[@sdouba]

Laurie Cass I fact I have been a Hammershöi admirer for years. Rather than peace, I feel more tense and seeking answers. Michael Palin summarized too well a feeling of inadequacy that we both share.

[@petemavus2948]

@@sdouba interesting point, maybe something we need to just accept or chance destroying.

[@davidaskew2959]

Very tastefully done, visually rich and understated, like the artist who I didn't know of before. Thank you Michael and BBC !

[@morecm3322]

I am ashamed to say I did not know of this artist till I came upon this. I am now a friend of Hamershoi thanks to this upload. Thank you an amazing journey that locked time and space together....lovely

[@claudevarieras6397]

Michael Palin has very educated tastes

[@walterkelly]

It's all interiors, isn't it? Me, inside my head, eyes gazing out, sitting in my kitchen looking into my computer screen at a video of a room somewhere in Copenhagen, seeing a painting of a portion of a corner with a window and wall. I feel as if I could look through that window and, if I could focus enough, see myself in my kitchen.

[@xyzllii]

Excellent. Palin does this so well. Most presenters irritate me...but he is un-intrusive.

[@hildajensen6263]

I think Hammerhøi's painting tell us who he was. He was looking for those quiet moments in everyday life, that is happiness for the introverted. Things doesn't have to be grand to be beautiful. As for Ida having her back turned. - There is something special in looking at the one you love, waiting for her to turn around and (hopefully) smile at you.

[@petemavus2948]

Maybe she was for his eyes only, there is also such a modesty and privacy about it all.

[@petemavus2948]

Hilda...as poignant as your comment. TY

[@siggimund]

@@petemavus2948 said it all Thank You Hilda

[@petemavus2948]

@@siggimund I forgot all about these comments and actually teared up when your alert reminded me... "I see your eyes in my eyes through your eyes still water" 👍💜✌️

[@siggimund]

@@petemavus2948 Who's the poet behind that great quote? 👍💙 Ps! Still waters run deep (Just learned about that english proverb, but it seems kind of fitting to Hammerhøi's character)🙂

[@juanvelez8564]

This is a documentary on the edge of intriguing. I'm sure they never heard of each other, but, except for the very subdued colors, Hammershoi seems to have something in common with the American Edward Hopper: the simplification of figures and features, the use of architectural elements as the basis of composition, and the isolated figures that give a feeling of loneliness, even alienation.

[@Rovarin]

I don't know much about art, but I know what I like... and I like Hopper's paintings very much. I also like, in particular, two Nordic painters: Edward Munch and a probably unknown painter called Samuel Mikines, but quite well known in the Faroe Islands where he was from - very gloomy paintings, many of which are set around funerals or proceedings related to funerals.

[@MangrovesToMountainsOutdoors]

Yes. Great observation. I see some of Hammershoi in Andrew Wyeth's work, as well. The subdued color scheme, architectural studies, and single, often lonely appearing figures.

[@elleh3495]

Juan Vélez I agree. I also love Hopper. Hammershoi, was someone I stumbled upon, but could never forget--partly I feel, because the shared inner atmosphere of an introvert is so recognizeable amongst introverts. That silence and stillness and haunting lonely feeling at times; its a breath of air to know that many of the great minds experienced the same. It is inspiring.

[@susanwarner1685]

That was my first reaction...Hopper used light streaming through windows which creates a strange (in his case) sense of depth/space. I see them both as painters of light.

[@petemavus2948]

The at times diffuse, others stark, moments of perception and recognition of essence. An eloquent silence glimpsed from the corner of ones innermost mind's eye. Having heard, we too are witness.

[@lyvybryans5197]

I love this documentary. It enlightened me on another painter's life that I didn't know about. I was also taken aback when Palin and the professor walked on the beach naked (I hope I wasn't wrong). This is worth the watch ❤️

[@otravez3916]

Thoroughly enjoyable. Loved every moment. Thanks for sharing.

[@NinaLetizia]

Thank you so much for sharing! I love Sir Michael Palin and the interpretation that he did of Hammershoi's painting.

[@ilonawaksmundzki7181]

I am amazed with You Mr. Pailin! What an extraordinary presentation of such a humble and great artist. Wondering how many like Hamershoi patiently waiting to be discovered...

[@eijonasson]

Watched a UK movie starring a very young Palin. Somehow this documentary was available immediately after. Then I notice many more . What a bonus . Was wondering what had happened to his career.lol. What a treat. Thanks to all for shared these treasures.

[@autondafe]

'He was a quiet , shy man, after painting the nudes he had to like down after' This really made me chuckle, wonderful documentary on a great artist with some classic michael palin gentle comedy

[@fluffyfour]

I recall a friend saying, after splitting with his girlfriend of 6 years, that when he first saw her he fell in love with the back of her head. To me that's what these pictures represent, a pure and lasting love. He doesn't need to see her face to portray her as loved, it shines as clear as his depiction of the light around her. Stunning.

[@vickhs]

34:22 when he said "pining" my mind immediatly went to "the fjords?". oh my i guess i've been watching too many sketches. lovely documentary, though, i didn't know about hammershoi but now i'm fascinated!

[@sihamstakeon3445]

Palin’s presentation and conclusion is meticulous. His narration is so engaging. ❤️ May 19, 2020

[@TorchwoodPandP]

It's amazing to me, though, that Michael Palin doesn't spot that the thing Hammershøj paints isn't the rooms or the landscape or the people, but the light! And that's why all Danes love his paintings, we immediately recognise the light!

[@alysononoahu8702]

People of the North love light

[@barbarastepien-foad4519]

@@alysononoahu8702 yes we don't get enough of it !!

[@beaugeste2899]

Torchwood Pride -Thanks.

[@kenlieck7756]

Probably because he becomes Palin the light...

[@leuw357]

MORE objects shinnes / meet the eye 💮 BUT the neck is the most interesthing >> the most sensueel . Thinking about the Geshias lots of andacht on that part. 💖ILP.

[@pitbullsandcalicos]

Wonderful, I had not heard of this artist, just wonderful, the subdued colours, beautiful. Thank you for uploading 🤗❤

[@allensaunders449]

No gigantic colorful paintings or larger then life figures. Just beautifully rendered quiet contemplation of subtle figures and the play of a naturdl light. A new fan of the artist and a great documentary to let us see a glimpse only a glimpse of the artist himself

[@jophoenix3919]

I realty enjoyed learning and most important viewing his wonderful painting, Thank you so much.

[@amersfoortsefotograa]

Glad to see that you are still having your trusted Billingham as a constant companion on your many travels, just like in the good old days..

[@kseniav586]

Hammershoi's work is truly mesmerizing. So glad this documentary is posted here, I've been a fan of Michael Palin for years and it's wonderful to watch him discover this amazing artist.

[@benfried3745]

This was good. Palin does a good job with the subject and inspires interest. I was waiting for him to come off the bike in NL.... " May 17th. Fell of the bike in Delft. The pump got caught in my trouser leg and my kroket was badly crushed".

[@22Phantasm]

It's one of my favourite Monty Python episodes.

[@andrewaway]

Thank you Michael and crew.

[@callmeishmael7452]

The cameraman’s lighting on Lotta at 42:00 onwards is perfect and no doubt Palin was very happy with that.

[@callycat6660]

A beautiful painting .. The Woman in black and oh like the other paintings of his too ..I have never heard of him or his work so thankyou !

[@kayfletcher4169]

A beautiful documentary which has introduced me to an artist who is new to me. The paintings do speak for themselves I think, in a very quiet, refined and sensitive voice. They are lovely. Thank you for this.