Should chiaroscuro paintings show much in the way of colour, given that in the dark only the rods in our retinas function, giving us monochrome vision?
Rembrandt
A trip round the painter’s palette, with outstanding examples of well-known colours in use. Starts with yellow, then to red and finally to blue.
Unusual self-portraits by Sofonisba Anguissola, Rembrandt, Artemisia Gentileschi, Courbet, Gérôme and others.
It flourished and brought commercial success to many artists, and laid the foundations for sub-genres. Still lifes were among the most innovative and exciting paintings of the day.
Unlike the face and hands, feet are usually covered in paintings. There are plenty of exceptions, but even the naked Phryné wore a pair of sandals.
At the start of the 19th century, industrial power came from wind and water. Within forty years, steam power was taking over. How quickly did Turner respond to this revolution?
A brief overview of the legendary and mythical history of the city and its empire, with links to all the articles in this series, and some of the finest paintings.
Little-known now, she was painted by Rubens (twice), Rembrandt (possibly), Lagrenée, and Jacek Malczewski.
They painted many of their finest works late in their careers: Rembrandt became more painterly and gestural, using surface texture of paint, and Turner anticipated much of Impressionism.
Emperors Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and finally Vespasian before stability was restored. Painted stories of the Batavians, final minutes of Vitellius, and the destruction of Pompeii.
The Eclectic Light Company 