As one of the last true Renaissance men, his artistic and diplomatic careers depended on his patrons – as much as they depended on him.
Rubens
From Mantegna and dancing Muses, through Rubens and Rochegrosse with the legend of Perseus, to a portrait by Odilon Redon.
The vital relationship between painter and patron, donor, dealer and others. Shown in examples from Rubens, Velázquez, Brett, Renoir and Bonnard.
From Botticelli’s map of Dante’s ‘Inferno’ to Vermeer’s fine-detailed depictions of decorative wall hangings.
Loyal to their master or mistress, often to the point of self-sacrifice. Paintings by Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Velázquez, Courbet and Bonnard.
Like all the worst men, satyrs were addicted to music, wine and women. Paintings by Piero, Claude, Rubens, Vedder, Moreau and others.
Romulus and Remus were abandoned as babies, when the intent had been to kill them. And paintings by Hogarth, and the daughter of a successful foundling.
From a pen and ink drawing, to fine sketches in chalk, then into oil paint on canvas, next modelled by a sculptor in clay, and finally into a bronze bas relief.
Ruggiero is beguiled by Alcina, and trapped on her island. His love Bradamante tries to rescue him, through the sorceress Melissa. The old hermit abducts and tried to rape Angelica.
Rembrandt’s late paintings created visual effects as much by surface textures, as by form or colour; his secret lies in how he was able to do this in his paint.
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