A summary history from 1700 to the 20th century, with examples of major paintings, and links to each of the detailed articles in this series.
Martin
A vast canvas with an apocalyptic vision of death and destruction? It must be one of John Martin’s, then. Another distinctive British narrative painter.
Its two scenes with witches are most famous, and often confused. There’s more to this play, though, and other scenes in fine paintings.
Interest in paintings of witchcraft grew in the Age of Enlightenment, with a series painted by Goya for the Duchess of Osuna.
Works of the greatest English writer, they remain popular on stages around the world, and have been adapted for every narrative medium, including a great many paintings.
Twentieth-century paintings of Spring, from Renoir to Grant Wood, with the help of Bonnard, JW Waterhouse, Granville Redmond and others.
After Seurat’s unexpected and early death, Paul Signac was his artistic heir, but the movement went in different directions before fading out after 1900.
Enchanted Norwegian birch woods, the Massachusetts coast, Catalina Island by night, Spanish mountains, and a picturesque French village.
Emperors Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and finally Vespasian before stability was restored. Painted stories of the Batavians, final minutes of Vitellius, and the destruction of Pompeii.
Using repeated forms, usually regularly spaced, is a well-known technique for increasing depth, adding optical effects, and more.
The Eclectic Light Company 