Portrait of the Artist’s Wife with Katherine and Philipp is the least famous but most poignant of Hans Holbein’s works. More historian than poet, Hans Holbein was the visual documentarian of his time.
Caravaggio created this painting when he was broke and unknown. Then he chanced upon rich gambler Cardinal de Monte, who loved this piece. It was a lucky draw for the young painter. He’d snagged himself an influential and rich patron.
Why Head Surrounded by Sides of Beef by Francis Bacon is such a famous painting:
• Bacon’s power, horror and Pope obsessions.
• Raw meat means vulnerability in Head Surrounded by Sides of Beef.
• People love Francis Bacon’s shocking, screaming Popes.
An eerie mystery permeates The Colossus by Francisco de Goya. That’s because even though we know a lot about this historic work, mastery lies in its subtle imagery. Clouds tickle the looming giant and disguise details.
Why Paul Revere the painting by John Singleton Copley matters:
– Is Paul Revere‘s portrait political?
– Why John Singleton Copley skipped town soon after painting this.
– Paul Revere‘s powerful blouse.
The iconic Las Meninas by Diego Velázquez gives us an intimate perspective on a secret world. This portrait of Spain’s King Philip IV reveals the inner court. We see the Infanta Margarita Theresa at center. She’s surrounded with a collection of servants.