An association made in a traditional British Christmas carol found only exceptionally in paintings, including two ‘problem pictures’ from the 19th century.
de Chavannes
From 1872, as symbolism developed in his paintings. From ‘Death and the Maiden’, through ‘The Poor Fisherman’, to his recurring theme of the Sacred Grove.
First of two articles celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth. Covers the period up to the years after the Franco-Prussian War, when he achieved popularity.
William Penn’s treaty, Peace and War just before the Franco-Prussian War, its Armistice in 1871, and finally paintings of the end of the First World War and the original Cenotaph in London.
Shepherds, children tending geese or with their parents working in the harvest, Sargent’s friends slumbering in their siesta, and an enigma.
The Grim Reaper, complete with scythe, first appeared in the Middle Ages and became popular in the 19th century. It’s one of the few phrases drawn from visual art.
The enjoyment of being idle, indulgence of relaxation, and blissful laziness: that’s dolce far niente for you, in paintings to chill out with.
How to buy fresh milk in central London, what the Scythians lived on, and more. Paintings by Millet, Delacroix, Winslow Homer, and others.
Rarely painted, particularly in classical form, until the 19th century, the Grim Reaper is based on Father Time, not Thanatos.
Paintings of the hippogriff from Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, and some other winged horses from Puvis de Chavannes, Moreau, and ER Hughes.
The Eclectic Light Company 