In the Renaissance, while oil painting was still catching on, many of the greatest masterpieces were painted in egg tempera. How, and to what effect?
Masaccio
Many of the greatest and most important European works of art are painted on walls or ceilings. Explains secco, fresco, and how they influence the result.
Showing two or more scenes from the same story in a single painting (multiplex narrative) is common, effective, and good art. Examples from Masaccio, Memling, Bosch, and more.
We love surprise twists in the plot of novels and movies. How can painters achieve the effect of surprise in their narrative images? Masaccio, Rembrandt, Poussin, and more.
Used since Roman times, it was common in the dress of saints. Highly toxic, it was progressively replaced by cadmium red in the late 19th century.
An illustrated timeline and overview of how the human visual environment, and perception of it, has changed from ancient times to virtual reality.
If Brunelleschi had introduced Cubism instead of perspective projection, would that have altered human visual perception?
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!
Salome has become a femme fatale, the author of John the Baptist’s death, and a potent erotic symbol. But that was not the original story.
