First popularised for use with glue tempera, ‘canvas’ quickly developed into the first choice for oils. In Venice, canvases as large as tennis courts were used by Veronese and Tintoretto.
Mantegna
Popular in the early Renaissance, it was revived by William Blake, the Nabis, and a few others. Despite its disadvantages, these are wonderful paintings.
From 1450-1650, paintings of ‘Christian sibyls’ who foretold the birth of Christ, became important motifs for painting. Here’s a selection.
Made dictator for life, Caesar quickly became unpopular to the point where his life was under threat. Paintings by Rubens, von Piloty, and of course Gérôme.
An illustrated timeline and overview of how the human visual environment, and perception of it, has changed from ancient times to virtual reality.
Paintings on walls and ceilings created a virtual reality long before the term was coined. Even now, they can be breathtaking in effect.
Let these paintings fool you: that’s what they’re all about. Happy April Fool’s Day!
Strikingly original, its details are becoming sinister and idiosyncratic. We also discover why he signed with an owl, and called himself Bosch.
