Knowing when one of Turner’s paintings is narrative can be very tricky. But there are dangers in over-interpretation. Here are some ideas to assist in their reading.
narrative
Was Cyrus an evil conqueror with a lust for blood? How a legendary queen became a role model for European monarchs, with the visual support of Rubens.
Even when you’re the King of Kings, being depicted in art is not easy. There’s one masterpiece by Rembrandt which is perhaps appropriate to the ruler of the greatest empire of its time.
After short mentions of Pegasus making a new spring with his hoof-print, and the strange Pyreneus, the Muses tell of their contest with the daughters of Pierus, who were turned into magpies.
Definitely a wedding to remember: how Perseus and Andromeda didn’t have a photographer but a sculptor to preserve their memories.
What are accessories or ‘staffage’, what narrative, and what intrinsic to the reading and style of a landscape?
An overview, comments on its narrative nature, and indexes to the previous articles about the Frieze.
Not just superb paintings, but one of the great visual tropes of Western art, and one of the best wedding speeches ever.
Bringing together some characteristics and features of three narrative Chinese handscroll paintings.
Six men fight to the death to settle a whole war. But that is only part of a story which seems too good to be true. And a great masterpiece by David.
The Eclectic Light Company 