AND FINALLY

Art really is good for the soul

UNEXPECTED requests can lead to revelations. So it was when art historian Laura-Jane Foley invited me to record a podcast for her series, My Favourite Work Of Art. I wasn’t even sure what a podcast is!

I knew I mustn’t overthink my choice. What first popped into my head took me back to the very beginning of my love of art. The painting is Virgin And Child In Glory, by the 17th-century Spanish artist Murillo. Why choose this over hundreds of (finer) works I’ve loved since?

Because when I was 11, I’d take the bus to Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and of all the wonderful art I discovered, this painting provided the sweetest consolation. I’d stare at Mary’s beautiful face and silently tell her my troubles. I loved the innocent cherubs at her feet and believed baby Jesus was looking straight at me.

It’s interesting to focus on one work of art and ask why it draws you. It could be something simple like the blaze of gold that’s Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Or maybe you love a great painting of horses by George Stubbs.

My own choice told me a lot about the sense of isolation I felt as a child, but also the origin of my current pride in Christianity. Now ask yourself what you would choose . . .

I’ll always be grateful that the Walker (and Old Swan Public Library) shaped my soul. So why not visit your nearest art gallery to discover what might be waiting for you? ÷ TO LISTEN to the podcast, log on to acast.com/myfavouriteworkofart

Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co. uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.