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.
narrative
A comedy involving two couples, both tricked in different ways. One bride faints in church when accused of infidelity. The other couple didn’t know they loved one another until deceived.
Maternal love, Oedipus and the Sphinx, and a naked courtesan unveiled before a court of men, all demonstrate how important is gaze.
One of the greatest British narrative painters of the 19th century, a small selection of his best from Eris picking a golden apple in 1806 to the slaveship of 1840.
A Roman hero, intended to be consul, is banished because he wouldn’t get on with common people. When he can defeat Rome, who can stop him?
Are the two arms fending others off, raised in shock, surrender, or falling to earth? From light comedy to accounts of executions and war crimes.
The meaning of one arm raised depends on the position of the fingers: is it an index finger pointing to heaven, or a sign of benediction?
Trained at the Royal Academy Schools only ten years after they had opened, he has become one of the most important and original British visual artists.
An intricate tragicomedy culminating in a complex series of revelations. Although never popular, some interesting paintings.
Why is the Virgin Mary standing on a snake with a part-eaten apple in its mouth? And which painting of her was banned from display in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome?
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