Curtains in Raphael’s remarkable trompe l’oeil, concealing a nude, opened by the peeping tom, revealing a lost lover, and as separator between players and spectators.
Peale
Throughout the 19th century, as going to the beach became more popular, adults at least only bared essentials, and even covered arms and legs.
From West and Frith’s early paintings of the beach at Ramsgate, through their increasing popularity in the 19th century, to Boudin, Monet and Renoir.
From the earliest still life paintings, many were designed not just to look realistic, but to deceive the viewer. Examples from van Eyck to the 20th century.
Between 1817 and 1842, he went on a succession of expeditions in the US, Colombia, and the Pacific islands, as artist and naturalist. Yet he was even buried in an unmarked grave. Does modesty pay?
It’s unusual and difficult to make humorous paintings. Here’s a fine selection from Bosch, Brueghel and Rubens to the late 19th century.
Racing sandyachts 500 years ago, Punch and Judy shows, the painter who inspired Pissarro, and a firing squad: not what you’d expect on the beach.
Let these paintings fool you: that’s what they’re all about. Happy April Fool’s Day!
The Eclectic Light Company 