Vasari claimed that he was trained by Jan van Eyck, but he probably learnt under an Italian artist in Milan before becoming the first Master in oils.
history of painting
Painted on two panels of oak using egg tempera, it combines gold and raised details to mimic precious stones. How it was made.
Short summary of their history, art, and their role in the evolution of painting in the twentieth century, with copious links to articles here.
Hosting Lord Byron’s Alpine Witch, as the birth canal for Thomas Cole’s ‘Voyage of Life’, and an attempt by Courbet to return to the womb? The versatility of caves.
Before folk history changed with the concept of human evolution, caves were sacred places inhabited by hermits, or figures from myth.
Modern bridges and more modern paintings from Vallotton, Bonnard, Schiele, and most prominently Joseph Stella’s ‘Brooklyn Bridge’.
Which bridge did Manet fall in love with, and how did the Langlois Bridge painted by Vincent van Gogh get its name?
Bridges have had huge impact on man, but aren’t normally considered aesthetically attractive. Paintings from van Eyck to Jongkind show increasing interest among artists.
From fresco to varnish: a succinct summary of all the different media which have been used in painting, with links to more detailed articles.
Until 1880, varnishing oil paintings was standard practice, but three completely different types of varnish were used. A journey through names like sandarac and colophony.
The Eclectic Light Company 