Is it just a quirky re-telling of the myth of Arachne and her weaving contest? What do the foreground and background have in common? A superb visual riddle, perhaps.
painting
Based more on the legend of Johann Faust, here’s a summary of the second part of Goethe’s play, with paintings and illustrations for it.
In 1660, he co-founded the Gobelins factory which became the leading maker of tapestries. He also set what became ‘Louis XIV Style’ in furniture.
His talent was spotted early, and he was taken to Rome to study under Poussin in his workshop. He returned to Paris and became the king’s ‘greatest French artist of all time’.
Although known for his paintings of nudes, many of his subjects were fully-clothed, and most were powerful women who overcame adversity.
With the exception of his early history paintings and a few portraits of men, his entire career was devoted to painting beautiful women.
A sibyl, or an allegory of painting? Maybe the ‘maid of Corinth’ who legends says ‘invented’ painting. And are they spinners, or the story of Arachne?
Gretchen poisoned her mother and drowned her baby; she is now in jail awaiting execution. Faust wants to rescue her, but Mephistopheles isn’t bothered.
Religious works, including two Nativities and a fine painting of Joseph and Mary walking to Bethlehem, Naturalist and Impressionist styles too.
Examples of the work of Thomas Jones, Constable, Corot, Blechen, Boudin, Jongkind, Pissarro, Cézanne, Sargent, Monet, and more.
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