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Very few painters in history spent more time in the presence of Napoleon Bonaparte, the military leader who became Emperor of the French in the early 19th century than this French artist. Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) was a fervent supporter of the French Revolution and his talent brought him to the highest levels of French society. …

Read More about Emperor Napoleon in His Study at the Tuileries – Top 8 Facts

The most devastating military conflicts in history, usually fought on a large battlefield, have shaped the world we live in today. These epic events have served as a source of inspiration for artists for centuries and as you surely expected, many of the most famous battle paintings are huge. Another common factor in these monumental …

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When a famous English artist was in his early twenties, he visited a ruined castle that majestically overlooks a river on the border of England and Scotland. He produced his first work of the castle in England the following year and he would be inspired by it several more times throughout his career. Joseph Mallord …

Read More about Norham Castle, Sunrise by J.M.W. Turner – Top 8 Facts

The French are still divided about this dubious figure, and that’s because he was one of the most controversial politicians in French history. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) rose out of the ashes of the French Revolution and became highly popular following numerous successes during the Revolutionary Wars. He became the First Consul of the Republic between …

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One of the most influential French artists in history is credited with forming a bridge between Realism and Impressionism. Regardless of the upper-class status of Édouard Manet (1832-1883), he often chose to depict Parisian life as it was in the 19th century. This in combination with his distinctive style means that he produced some of …

Read More about In the Conservatory by Édouard Manet – Top 8 Facts

The Passion of Jesus Christ, the brief period during the final days of his life and after his death, has been a popular subject in Christian art for centuries. This period generally starts with his triumphal entry in Jerusalem and ends with his Resurrection following his Crucifixion. Many Crucifixion paintings, Last Supper paintings, and other …

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One of the most interesting periods in Dutch history resulted in the emergence of various new types of art. This included genre paintings that depict common life in the Dutch Republic. Jan Havickszoon Steen (1626-1679) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who specialized in painting the common man during this jolly era. He had a …

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The first 7 decades of the 17th century were a jolly time in the Dutch Republic The state was the most advanced in Europe during this period. Many famous Dutch artists emerged as the art market was booming during this time and many painters could make a good living. Some of the most notable Dutch …

Read More about The Dancing Couple by Jan Steen – Top 8 Facts

Some artists paint a wide range of topics throughout their careers while others decide to focus on a specific one. Hendrick Avercamp (1585-1634), a Dutch Golden Age painter from the early 17th century, definitely falls into the latter category. Not only was he one of the earliest landscape painters of his era, but he also …

Read More about Winter Landscape with Skaters by Avercamp – Top 8 Facts

It’s no surprise that a painting by this Dutch master has been referred to as one of the greatest paintings ever created. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who also mastered drawing and etching during his prolific career. He was extremely versatile and mastered a wide range of subjects, including portraits, …

Read More about The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt – Top 8 Facts