From 1450-1650, paintings of ‘Christian sibyls’ who foretold the birth of Christ, became important motifs for painting. Here’s a selection.
Raphael
Lead White was the primary white pigment used in oil painting until the late twentieth century, and Chalk White was mainly used in the grounds under oil paint layers.
The standard blue pigment for the Renaissance and on, until about 1710, it was used in many Old Masters before disappearing by 1800.
After a short story of Hercules saving Myscelus, Ovid presents the doctrines of Pythagoras, including advocacy of vegetarianism, and philosophy of change. Raphael and Rubens.
Arsenic sulphides, they were both used in alchemy, and used commonly in paintings from Ancient Egypt through to the late 29th century. Tintoretto loved them.
As his style became more distinctive, he painted fine religious set-pieces, and some superb and enigmatic secular works.
He is now almost forgotten, despite this being the 500th anniversary of his death. He was certainly an important influence on Raphael, and more.
The final few years of his life were highly productive. As well as superb religious works, some secular paintings have also survived.
When he returned to painting in 1504, he was quick to incorporate the latest developments such as sfumato, and enhanced his landscapes from real life.
Friend and colleague of Raphael, he was on a par with him, and Leonardo da Vinci. First part of a series marking the 500th anniversary of his death.
