By the end of the 19th century, problem pictures were popular features in the press. Most successful of British painters was John Collier, but they soon died out in the early 20th century.
Yeames
The origin of the conical hat worn by Jews. and that worn by dunces. Cavaliers and Roundheads, crowns and mitres, the cardinal’s red biretta, and Dante’s chaperon.
Stairs to fall down, to sit in disgrace, or pose with your sibling? Stairs winding up and defying gravity, bearing ballet dancers, or in a Gothic prison.
Hiding a Catholic priest during a Protestant purge, a young boy interrogated by Roundheads, an affluent woman defendant, and the body of a wife at the foot of the stairs.
The stories of Cambyses the corrupt judge, Phryne charged with impiety, the judgement of Solomon, the Tichborne Trial, and several others.
A summary history from 1700 to the 20th century, with examples of major paintings, and links to each of the detailed articles in this series.
In the latter half of the 19th century, a new narrative form developed, primarily among British painters: the open narrative, or problem picture.
Suppressed by the Reformation, narrative painting didn’t really get going in Britain until the early 18th century, but made up for lost time.
First of two parts telling the classic story of the jealousy of sisters, plots, betrayal, and the troubles of old age, with plenty of fine paintings.
Why did Bosch show people wearing funnels on their heads? Why the Roundheads? How to tell priestly rank by the hat, and more about chaperons and top hats.
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