MORTAL WOUND
Mentor Huebner (c) 1957
Oil on Masonite 30" X 24"
MORTAL WOUND
BY
Whenever
Mentor decided to paint a location close to home, I was thrilled.
It meant when the light faded and the painting was completed,
he wouldn't have to drive two hours to get home, and could make
it in about twenty minutes. This was certainly true when he
painted this red house in Bunker Hill.
At the time Mentor painted it, Bunker Hill, as we knew it, was
being destroyed and dynamically converted into very expensive
studio apartments, art lofts, small offices and smart restaurants.
All very 21st Century. But once, long ago, very early in the
20th Century, it had been known for its romantic architecture.
This house, even as it was being struck down, retained its beauty.
A little like the aging actress in “Sunset Boulevard”.
The house, like Gloria Swanson, didn't seem to get the message
but nevertheless went down gracefully. I wonder if Mentor was
the painting’s William Holden or its Billy Wilder. I kind
of go with Holden. .
As a good wife, I never interfered with Mentor’s title
choices. At the most, once-in-a-while I’d groan. But this
painting created a bit of a conflict. Not much. Just a little
bit. Mentor felt the title, "Mortal Wound" was appropriate.
He was probably right. I’m sure his title is correct,
telling it more like it really was. But back then I saw it in
a slightly different light. To me it showed an intensity similar
to falling into love. To me the house looked like a passionate
entity whose heart was being pummeled by Cupid. The kind of
strike that makes your knees buckle.
But I guess it all depends upon how one views falling in love.
Obviously, Mentor preferred the idea of a Mortal Wound.
Nevertheless, whatever it should or should not have been called,
Mentor gave me this painting on Valentine's Day. "Here
Honey, it's yours."
12
Paintings 12 Intimate Stories
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