After seeing The Raft of the Medusa by Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798-1863) Théodore Géricault (French, 1791-1824),…
Like Bonnat, many contemporary artists are struggling with the combination of the Classical Tradition ad Realism in their work. The former emphasizes the ideal and the latter the real, often with particular emphasis on imperfection. I think that so-called “Classical Realists” would do well to look at the work of Bonnat, who combined a love of Ingres with a reverence for Ribera. They would benefit more looking at his paintings than from William-Adolphe Bouguereau (French, 1825-1905), for example, who was a strict Classicist.
Read the PostLéon Bonnat (French, 1833-1922): The First Classical Realist?
Most of the people who read this blog have a positive opinion of nineteenth-century art…
Read the PostNineteenth-Century Meddling: St. Mark by Frans Hals
After such a long absence, I thought it fitting to make this post’s topic reflect…
Read the PostThe Prodigal Son in Modern Life Series by James Tissot
Artwork is not often built to last or to move, yet we insist on both.…
Read the PostRestoring a Masterpiece: CSI for the Art World, Only Happier
What if we made art according to surveys? What if artists, like many politicians, relied…
Read the PostThe Most Wanted Painting (The Flemish Were Not Far Off)
When Anthony Van Dyck (Flemish, 1599-1641) made these three paintings, he was between 19 and…
Read the PostThree Paintings by Anthony Van Dyck (Flemish, 1599-1641) for Christmas
Lately, I have been looking at my collection of images by theme, grouping Biblical and…
Read the PostEve After the Fall by Eugène Delaplanche (French, 1831-1892)
In several of my posts, I have pressed the importance of drawing. But it is…
Read the PostDrawing Is Not the Only Way to Paint (e.g. Velázquez)