The Baroque era produced several artists who have left a permanent mark on the world of art. They added theatrical drama, dynamism, and splendid colors to their works to enhance the grandeur of their time. Annibale Carracci (1560-1609) was one of the leading Baroque artists and a pioneer in the transition away from the Renaissance …
Paintings
Of all the portraits painted by Diego Velázquez (1599-1660), the official court painter of the Spanish Royal family during the 17th century, this is arguably the most important one. There are several reasons why this particular portrait of Spanish King Philip IV (1605-1665) is such a remarkable painting in the oeuvre of Velázquez, and we’ll …
One of the most innovative artists in history is considered to be one of the leading figures of the Flemish Primitives. They are known as Early Netherlandish artists and were active in the Low Countries and pioneers of the northern Renaissance. Jan van Eyck (1390-1441) was one of the first artists who mastered oil painting, …
The leading Romantic artist in France in the 19th century was Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863). The French artist became famous for producing monumental artworks, including “Liberty Leading the People” (1830), arguably the most iconic French painting ever produced. An intriguing painting in his oeuvre was a portrait of two of his close friends who were both …
A group of artists was formed in the early 20th century that transformed the world of art indefinitely. The Fauvists or “Wild Beasts” produced some of the most colorful paintings in history. The foundation was laid by the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists in the late 19th century. The main difference is that they didn’t care about …
Most of the paintings by Vermeer, the famous Dutch artist who lived during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, depict a scene inside his own house. This painting is no different and depicts items we can admire in some of his other works as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of …
Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) painted over 35 self-portraits during a career that lasted approximately a decade. One of these is fairly easy to date because of the particular attribute that the Dutch artist wears to cover his ear. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Self-Portrait with Bandaged ear …
Every renowned artist has to start somewhere, and this is one of the first monumental paintings by Raphael. He was one of the leading Renaissance artists of the early 16th century and became a source of inspiration for numerous artists who followed him. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the …
Shortly after Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1774, a prestigious award that allowed him to study in Rome, the French artist departed for Italy. He studied classical art in the city and it shaped his artistic career. He became the leading Neoclassical artist of his time and produced some of …
The leading Neoclassical artist of his time was partially responsible for the transition of frivolous Rococo art to austere Neoclassical art. This radical shift in taste happened at the same time that big political changes happened in France, including the start of the French Revolution and the toppling of the monarchy. Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) first …