In the 8 years after painting the Death of Wolfe, he attempted a few more ‘modern history’ paintings, with varying success.
history
The painting by which West is best known, it was claimed to have started a revolution in art, and to be the first modern history painting. Is there any truth?
From very humble beginnings in the British colonies in America, he rose to become a leading history painter, friend and painter to the King, and President of the Royal Academy. How?
Did Moreau succeed in changing history painting, or should his works remain obscure, a minor cul-de-sac in art history?
His last masterpiece has some of the richest symbols, icons, and decoration of all his works. A detailed look at his finale.
Far from being a recluse, the last years saw him teaching avidly, painting major works, and transforming his house into a museum.
Three major paintings: a complex triptych, Saint George and the Dragon, and an extraordinary Indian fantasy cityscape.
His mother’s death stopped him painting and turned him into a recluse for a while. He then painted his way through his grief.
A series of paintings of beautiful women, culminating in a large work featuring hundreds of female figures. The artist had one thing on his mind.
He had 11 paintings shown at the Exposition Universelle in Paris, in 1878, following which he was commissioned to paint over 60 watercolours.
