Two birds associated with myth: Zeus’s eagle, often used to indicate his presence in disguise, and the symbol of night and wisdom, the owl.
Blake
Paintings by William Blake, William Hogarth, Henry Fuseli, Paul Delaroche and others for this popular tragedy and history.
From Blake onwards, dreams often take over the whole view, with the dreamer the only link to reality. Examples from Blake, Rossetti, Hodler and others.
A summary history from 1700 to the 20th century, with examples of major paintings, and links to each of the detailed articles in this series.
Modern interpretations of the adorations of the shepherds and the three kings or magi, from William Blake to Sichulski’s triptychs in 1938.
Modern interpretations of this highly popular theme in Christian religious painting, from William Blake to Joseph Stella in 1929-33.
A little of the history of Egypt, from Books of the Dead in 1300 BCE, up to Napoleon’s campaign there between 1798-1801.
The stories of Samson, whose prodigious strength depended on not having his hair cut, and Mary Magdalene, who dried Christ’s feet with her hair.
The popular story of the Judgement of Solomon is a great challenge for visual art. Here are some of the better attempts at solution, from Raphael to Blake.
Trained at the Royal Academy Schools only ten years after they had opened, he has become one of the most important and original British visual artists.