Modern interpretations of this highly popular theme in Christian religious painting, from William Blake to Joseph Stella in 1929-33.
Gérôme
Views painted of Cairo and other parts of Egypt, including Thomas Seddon, Alberto Pasini, Jean-Léon Gérôme and the Australian Impressionist Arthur Streeton.
A little of the history of Egypt, from Books of the Dead in 1300 BCE, up to Napoleon’s campaign there between 1798-1801.
Before we masked up for Covid, covering the face had connotations. Here they’re explored, from the niqāb and widow’s veil to the aversion that makes us voyeur.
Clown figures including Harlequin, Pulcinella and Pierrot are derived from the commedia dell’arte, a favourite of Watteau and other painters.
Maternal love, Oedipus and the Sphinx, and a naked courtesan unveiled before a court of men, all demonstrate how important is gaze.
Rediscovering our iconology and visual tradition, starting with a Ship of Fools, Death and the Maiden, Truth coming out of her well, and the wings on angels.
One of the most travelled painters in history, here are views of Turkestan, India, western Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Japan.
Reading the history of agriculture in landscape paintings tells the story of the revolution that has taken place over the last 500 years.
Grisaille – grey underpainting used to set the tone for a finished work – is like underwear, waiting for richly coloured clothes to go on top. Not in these paintings, though.
The Eclectic Light Company 