It flourished and brought commercial success to many artists, and laid the foundations for sub-genres. Still lifes were among the most innovative and exciting paintings of the day.
Collier
Paintings from the late 19th century, including the best of John Collier’s ‘problem pictures’, and whole series from James Tissot. Was he seeking his own redemption?
Exhausted and destitute figures asleep, by Christian Krohg, Ferdinand Hodler, Sorolla, Waterhouse, and others.
More favourite articles from 2019, from ‘Dante’s Divine Comedy’ as painted by William Blake, through Vincent van Gogh, to Renoir’s landscapes.
By Pierre Bonnard, Lovis Corinth, Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, John Collier, Joseph Stella, and others. Truly eclectic.
New genres in literature gave the public a taste for different forms of narrative. Here’s a short account of the response in ‘problem pictures’ from Hunt to Collier.
Shortly after reaching a pinnacle in 1908, problem pictures fell from popularity. Then came the First World War, from which they never recovered.
More jewels and jewellery, including a portrait of Queen Victoria, Salome, Helen of Troy, and two of Klimt’s golden girls.
John Collier’s latest ‘problem picture’ became the most popular event in the Royal Academy’s annual exhibition.
Besieged with inquiries from people who couldn’t sleep, Yeames judged a contest to explain his painting. It was clear that even he didn’t know the answer.
